KARACHI: Pakistan Women completed a clean sweep of the ODI series against Zimbabwe after cruising to a nine-wicket victory in the third and final match at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday, night.
Chasing 223, the home side reached the target comfortably in just 31.5 overs, thanks to a dominant opening partnership between Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza. The pair added 220 runs for the first wicket to put Pakistan firmly in control of the chase. Feroza starred with an unbeaten 106 from 92 balls, smashing 16 fours on her way to a second ODI century, while Shamas played a fluent knock of 90 off 98 deliveries, hitting 13 boundaries. After Shamas was dismissed by Kudzai Chigora, stand-in captain Muneeba Ali hit the winning boundary to seal the victory.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 222 for nine in their 50 overs after recovering from early setbacks through important middle-order contributions. Opener Kelis Ndlovu gave the visitors a steady start with 51 off 72 balls, striking eight fours, but Pakistan’s bowlers continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals.
Beloved Biza was the standout batter for Zimbabwe with a well-made 73 from 88 deliveries, including 12 boundaries, keeping her side in the contest during the middle overs. Captain Nomvelo Sibanda remained unbeaten on 35 off 55 balls, while Adel Zimunu chipped in with 23 runs.
Despite a few useful partnerships, Zimbabwe failed to build momentum in the closing stages as Pakistan maintained pressure throughout the innings. Tasmia Rubab was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with figures of 3/49. Ayesha Zafar delivered an economical spell and claimed 2/13, while Syeda Aroob Shah also took two wickets.
