By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Opening batters Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza struck blistering centuries as Pakistan Women crushed Zimbabwe by 206 runs in the second One-Day International on Wednesday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Opting to bat first at the National Bank Stadium Karachi, Pakistan’s top order dismantled the visiting bowling attack to post a formidable 343-4, their highest total in the ICC Women’s Championship. In reply, Zimbabwe’s chase never gained momentum as they were bundled out for 137 in 39 overs.
The foundation of the victory was a record-breaking 189-run opening stand between Shamas and Feroza. Feroza was the first to reach her milestone, hitting 13 boundaries in a fluid 100 off 95 balls before being stumped off Lindokuhle Mabhero.
Shamas anchored the innings further, meticulously crafting 101 off 112 deliveries, decorated with ten fours and a six. Once the openers departed, Sidra Amin ensured the pressure remained on the visitors with a quick-fire unbeaten 59, while captain Fatima Sana (25) and Aliya Riaz (27) provided late-inning cameos to propel the score past 340.
Zimbabwe’s pursuit began disastrously. Captain Sana led from the front with the ball, removing Christine Mutasa and Kelly Ndiraya within the first three overs to leave the visitors reeling at 9-2.
Kelis Ndhlovu (32) and Runyararo Pasipanodya (33 not out) offered some resistance, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling unit kept chipping away. Rameen Shamim (2-20) and Syeda Aroob Shah (2-18) tore through the middle order, before Sana returned to clean up the tail, finishing with figures of 3-15. The two teams will meet for the final ODI on May 8 at the same venue.
Summarised Scores:
Pakistan Women: 343-4 in 50 overs
Sadaf Shamas 101 (112), Gull Feroza 100 (95), Sidra Amin 59* (58)
Lindokuhle Mabhero 1-52, Nomvelo Sibanda 1-61
Zimbabwe Women: 137 all out in 39 overs
Runyararo Pasipanodya 33* (62), Kelis Ndhlovu 32 (51)
Fatima Sana 3-15, Syeda Aroob Shah 2-18, Rameen Shamim 2-20
Result: Pakistan Women won by 206 runs.
