PAK-W vs ZIM-W: Shamas, Feroza star again as Pakistan complete whitewash with 9-wicket win

Pakistan women completed a 3-0 whitewash over Zimbabwe women, with a nine-wicket victory in the third ODI on Saturday, May 9 at National Stadium, Karachi. Having failed to chase big targets in the first two games, Zimbabwe captain Nomvelo Sibanda opted to bat first after winning the toss. 

Riding on half-centuries from Beloved Biza (73 off 88) and Kellis Ndhlovu (51 off 72), Zimbabwe posted a decent score of 222/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Skipper Sibanda (35 off 55) also made a valuable contribution of 35* (55). For Pakistan, Tasmia Rubab, Syeda Aroob Shah (2/36, 8 over), and Ayesh Zafar (2/13, 6 overs) were amongst the wickets.

In the second innings, Sadaf Shamas (90 off 98) and Gull Feroza continued their sensational form, helping their team chase down the target in just 31.5 overs. The duo got involved in a massive 220-run stand for the first wicket off 189 balls to set up the run chase for their side.

Meanwhile, after the ODIs, the two teams will next lock horns in a three-match T20I series, beginning on May 12.

Top run-scorer of the Match

Top wicket-taker of the Match

Player of the Match

Gull Feroza was adjudged Player of the Match for her second successive ODI century. She scored an unbeaten 106* (92), laced with 16 fours, to guide Pakistan to a comfortable win. She was also adjudged Player of the Series for scoring 256 runs across three games.

Turning Point

After Zimbabwe lost Kelly Ndiraya (8 off 6) and Vimbai Mutungwindu (2 off 2) cheaply, Kelis Ndhlovu (51 off 72) and Beloved Biza (73 off 88) got involved in a massive 87-run stand off 114 balls for the third wicket. However, Aroob Shah brought an end to their stand by dismissing Ndhlovu lbw. Following her dismissal, none of the batters could stay for long in the middle, and Zimbabwe had to settle for a low score.

What did the captains say?:

Winning Captain, Fatima Sana (Pakistan Women):  

(You were not playing but it seemed that you were playing) The way we made it 3-0, all the credit goes to the team. The coaches gave the confidence and that helped the players.

(How confident are you as a team from the atmosphere?) The aim was to make a good environment inside the team so that everyone enjoys others' success. The girls are happy with each other and I think it is the best thing for the team.

(On the areas of improvement) We should try to bring more discipline in bowling and fielding. We are doing well in batting. Gull and Sadaf played really well.

(On her personal fitness ahead of the T20I series) Good to go."

Losing Captain, Nomvelo Sibanda (Zimbabwe Women):

"I thought today the girls that came to the party, I was very proud. We managed to bat all 50 overs, all thanks to Beloved Biza and Kelis Ndlovu. They batted brilliantly. So yeah, I thought that was a positive to take home.

(Learnings from this series) I think as a young side, you take confidence, exposure, and obviously game time.

(What can we expect from Zimbabwe in the T20I series?) We’ll continue being positive, continue learning, and continue repeating that.”