Our Web Desk
KARACHI: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana smashed the fastest half-century in women’s Twenty20 International history on Friday, leading her side to a 133-run victory over Zimbabwe and completing a clean sweep of the six-match white-ball series.
Sana blazed her way to fifty off just 15 balls, finishing unbeaten on 62 from 19 deliveries at the National Bank Stadium.
Her explosive innings guided Pakistan to a formidable 223-4 before left-arm spinners Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sundhu combined to dismantle the visitors for 90 runs in 17.1 overs.
Sana shattered the previous world record of 18 balls, which was jointly held by New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield, and India’s Richa Ghosh. Her feat also stands as the joint fifth-fastest half-century across all T20Is, including men’s cricket.
Walking out to bat in the 17th over with Pakistan at 152-4, Sana dominated a blistering unbeaten 71-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Saira Jabeen. Jabeen anchored the other end to finish 50 not out off 32 balls.
Sana hit ten boundaries and two sixes during her cameo, striking Kudzai Chigora for five consecutive fours in the 18th over, followed by three fours and two sixes off Zimbabwe captain Nomvelo Sibanda in the 19th over.
Earlier, openers Ayesha Zafar (45) and Muneeba Ali (22) provided a rapid start with a 58-run opening stand. Zafar was later named player of the series after scoring 150 runs, including a century in the opening match.
Zimbabwe’s chase started aggressively as Kelis Ndhlovu struck a quickfire 32 off 14 balls, pushing the visitors to 36 for one inside three overs.
However, Iqbal struck twice in the third over to halt the momentum, finishing with figures of three for 20. Sundhu picked up two for 21, while economical spells from Tuba Hassan (1-8) and Rameen Shamim (1-11) ensured Zimbabwe collapsed from 44 for three to 90 all out.
The win marks Pakistan’s third-largest margin of victory by runs in women’s T20Is. It also secures a flawless conclusion to the first-ever bilateral white-ball series between the two teams, with Pakistan winning all three One-Day Internationals and all three T20Is.
Summarised Scores
Pakistan Women 223-4 in 20 overs (Fatima Sana 62 not out, Saira Jabeen 50 not out, Ayesha Zafar 45, Iram Javed 29, Muneeba Ali 22; Lindokuhle Mabhero 2-36)
Zimbabwe Women 90 all out in 17.1 overs (Kelis Ndhlovu 32; Sadia Iqbal 3-20, Nashra Sundhu 2-21)
Result: Pakistan Women won by 133 runs.
Player of the Match: Fatima Sana (Pakistan)
Player of the Series: Ayesha Zafar (Pakistan)
