Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to defeat Zimbabwe by 168 runs in the opening match of the three-match women’s ODI series at the National Bank Stadium.

Chasing a daunting target of 331, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 162 in 36.4 overs, as Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack kept the visitors under pressure throughout the innings.

Beloved Biza led Zimbabwe’s scoring with a run-a-ball 53, striking eight fours. Opener Kelis Ndhlovu added 31 off 47 deliveries, including five boundaries, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to make a meaningful contribution.

For Pakistan, captain Fatima Sana, Tasmia Rubab, and Syeda Aroob Shah claimed two wickets each. Momina Riasat and Nashra Sandhu took one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a massive total, powered by half-centuries from Sadaf Shamas, Gull Feroza, and Sidra Amin, along with a rapid innings from Najiha Alvi.

Alvi recorded the fastest ODI fifty for Pakistan, reaching the milestone in just 24 deliveries.

Openers Shamas and Feroza gave Pakistan a strong start, putting together a 162-run partnership with aggressive stroke play. Both batters scored well-crafted fifties to put the hosts in control early.

The partnership ended when Kudzai Chigora dismissed Feroza for 50 off 60 balls, including five boundaries, in the 29th over.

Shamas continued to anchor the innings and narrowly missed a century, scoring 98 off 130 deliveries, including 17 fours. She was dismissed by Precious Marange, who also removed Ayesha Zafar shortly after to reduce Pakistan to 195 for 3.

Marange picked up her third wicket by dismissing Aliya Riaz, briefly slowing Pakistan’s momentum in the middle overs.

Sidra Amin then steadied the innings with a fluent 67 off 59 balls, striking nine fours. She shared a 96-run partnership with Alvi, who accelerated the scoring late in the innings.

Alvi remained unbeaten on 56 off 30 deliveries, hitting eight fours and a six. Fatima Sana added a quick 11 off three balls, including a four and a six, to lift Pakistan past the 300-run mark.

For Zimbabwe, Precious Marange was the standout bowler, returning figures of 3 for 39 in 10 overs, while Kudzai Chigora and Nomvelo Sibanda took one wicket each.

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