When Ayesha Took Over the Night in Karachi
News Desk
Karachi: Under the lights at the National Bank Stadium, Pakistan delivered a commanding statement in the opening women’s T20 International against Zimbabwe, powered by a breathtaking century from Ayesha Zafar and a ruthless bowling display led by captain Fatima Sana.
The hosts stormed to a massive 153-run victory on Tuesday night, registering their highest-ever total in women’s T20Is before dismantling Zimbabwe for just 84 to seize a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The evening belonged to Ayesha, whose dazzling unbeaten 102 off only 47 deliveries transformed the contest into a one-sided spectacle. Playing with remarkable freedom and precision, the opener tore apart Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with 15 boundaries and two towering sixes, bringing up her maiden T20I century at a strike rate exceeding 217.
Her innings blended elegance with aggression, keeping the scoreboard racing even as wickets fell around her during the early overs.
Pakistan’s innings began at a frenetic pace. Gull Feroza set the tone with a lively 37 from just 19 balls, helping the home side surge to 68-3 within the powerplay. Despite the rapid scoring, regular wickets briefly threatened to disrupt momentum.
Ayesha, however, ensured there was no slowdown. Anchoring the innings with maturity while maintaining attacking intent, she rebuilt Pakistan’s charge before unleashing a fierce assault in the middle and death overs.
Aliya Riaz provided explosive support, smashing 48 off only 23 balls in a counterattacking knock that included four fours and four sixes. Together, the pair stitched a crucial 67-run fifth-wicket partnership that pushed Zimbabwe completely onto the back foot.
Captain Fatima Sana added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 21 from 13 deliveries as Pakistan plundered 70 runs in the final five overs to finish on a formidable 237-5, a new national benchmark in women’s T20 cricket.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the relentless assault. Captain Nomvelo Sibanda endured a difficult outing, conceding 59 runs in her four overs despite taking two wickets.
If Pakistan’s batting display was emphatic, their bowling effort was equally ruthless.
Defending a towering target, skipper Fatima Sana produced a fiery opening spell that shattered Zimbabwe’s hopes almost immediately.
Her devastating figures of 3-7 in three overs left the visitors reeling at 16-5 inside the first five overs, effectively ending the contest before the chase could settle.
Sadia Iqbal and Natalia Pervaiz struck twice each, while Rameen Shamim chipped in with a wicket as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.
Only Natasha Mtomba, with 24, and Adel Zimunu, who scored 18, offered brief resistance for Zimbabwe. But against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, the visitors never looked capable of mounting a recovery.
The emphatic victory not only handed Pakistan a strong start to the series but also highlighted the growing depth and confidence within the side, with Ayesha Zafar’s unforgettable century emerging as the defining moment of a dominant all-round performance.
