PAK-W vs ZIM-W: Shamas, Feroza's centuries help Pakistan seal series with 206-run victory

Pakistan women completed a historic win over Zimbabwe women, with a massive 206-run victory in the second ODI on Wednesday, May 6, at National Stadium, Karachi. Batting first, Pakistan again exerted their dominance with both openers Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza (100 off 95) stitching a massive 189-run stand off 186 balls.

After both had completed their respective centuries, Sidra Amin (59* off 58) also scored a valuable half-century as Pakistan again posted a humongous total of 343/4 in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, Zimbabwe batters couldn’t put up any fight and were skittled for 137 in 39 overs. Fatima Sana, Rameen Shamim (2/20), Momina Riasat (2/39) and Syeda Aroob Shah (2/18) ran through their batting line up.

Runyararo Pasipanodya (33* off 62), Kelis Ndhlovu (32 off 51) and Beloved Biza (29 off 51) made some contributions for Zimbabwe, but they weren’t enough to put up any fight against Pakistan’s imposing total.

 Meanwhile, Pakistan registered their largest victory margin (206 runs) in ODIs and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The third ODI between the two teams is set to be played on Saturday, May 9.

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 spectacular maiden WODI century. She played a brilliant innings of 100 (95) studded with 13 fours. Feroza completed her century off just 93 balls, the fastest ever ton by a Pakistan women's batter.

Turning Point

Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza forged a dominating opening stand of 189 off 186 deliveries. Their partnership dampened the spirits in the Zimbabwe camp right from the get-go, and they couldn’t really recover after that.

What did the captains say?:

Winning Captain, Fatima Sana (Pakistan Women):  

(On being happier with the 206-run victory) "Yes, obviously, because we crossed 340 runs. So I think we ticked all the boxes in this game. I think everyone was up to the mark. The whole credit goes to the team, especially Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shamas, who batted really well. (On giving opportunities to youngsters in the bowling unit) Yeah, I think Momina did well, and Aroob Shah obviously performed well too. They are youngsters in our team, and it’s good to see them doing well. I think the team environment is very good, and everyone is enjoying each other’s company. That is very good for the team.

(On winning the series and achieving Pakistan’s biggest ODI victory margin) Yeah, I think that’s what we wanted, and we achieved it. So it feels really good. (On possible changes for the final match) Yes, there could still be changes because we are trying different combinations. Hopefully, we’ll see how things go."

Losing Captain, Nomvelo Sibanda (Zimbabwe Women):

"(On an off day in the field) Yeah, I thought as a fielding unit we had an off day. We did create enough chances, but we did not take them. So yeah, that impacted us.

(On the 9th wicket partnership) Yeah, I thought the tail played pretty positively.

(On Beloved Biza's form) Yeah, she has been batting well. She is in the form of her life. Hopefully it just continues.

(What needs to be done before the last game?) I think we need to go back to the drawing board and see what will work for us."