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KARACHI: Sadaf Shamas fell agonizingly short of a century while Najiha Alvi provided late-innings fireworks as Pakistan Women secured a dominant 168-run victory over Zimbabwe Women in the first One Day International of the ICC Women’s Championship at the National Stadium on Monday.
Defending a formidable total of 330, the Pakistani bowling attack proved too clinical for the visitors, bundling Zimbabwe out for 162 in 36.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Opting to field first, Zimbabwe’s decision backfired as Pakistan’s openers laid a massive foundation. Sadaf Shamas played the anchor role with a composed 98 off 130 balls, featuring 17 boundaries. She shared a 162-run opening stand with Gull Feroza (50), effectively taking the game away from Zimbabwe in the first half of the innings.
While Zimbabwe’s Precious Marange briefly stalled the momentum with a middle-order triple-strike (3-39), Sidra Amin (67) and Najiha Alvi ensured the platform wasn’t wasted. Alvi was particularly destructive, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 30 deliveries at a strike rate of 186.66 to propel the hosts to 330-5.
In reply, Zimbabwe struggled to maintain the required run rate against a disciplined Pakistani pace and spin attack. Captain Fatima Sana made early inroads, dismissing Christine Mutasa and Kelly Ndiraya cheaply.
Beloved Biza offered the lone resistance for Zimbabwe, scoring a spirited 53 off 53 balls. However, her departure in the 28th over triggered a final collapse. Tasmia Rubab and Syeda Aroob Shah picked up two wickets apiece to wrap up the tail, while two clinical run-outs orchestrated by wicketkeeper Najiha Alvi punctuated Pakistan’s sharp performance in the field.
The two teams will meet again at the same venue for the second ODI on Wednesday.
Match Summary
Pakistan Women: 330-5 in 50 overs
Sadaf Shamas 98 (130), Sidra Amin 67 (59), Najiha Alvi 56* (30)
Precious Marange 3-39, Kudzai Chigora 1-52
Zimbabwe Women: 162 all out in 36.4 overs
Beloved Biza 53 (53), Kelis Ndhlovu 31 (47)
Tasmia Rubab 2-21, Fatima Sana 2-28, Syeda Aroob Shah 2-38
Result: Pakistan Women won by 168 runs
