Sadaf, Gull tons lead Pakistan to series win against Zimbabwe

Staff Report

KARACHI: Pakistan Women clinched the three-match ODI series with a record 206-run victory over Zimbabwe Women in the second ODI at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi here on Wednesday evening, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. The third ODI of the series will be played at the same venue on Saturday (May 9). The 206-run margin surpasses Pakistan Women’s previous-best ODI win by runs – the 193-run victory against the Netherlands in 2011. The 168-run win in the first ODI on Monday, which had occupied second spot on the list, slips to third. The result also takes Pakistan to six points from five matches in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29. Captain Fatima Sana opted to bat first and Pakistan posted 343 for four in their 50 overs — their second-highest ODI total, two runs short of the 345 they made against South Africa in February this year. It was also their fourth consecutive 300-plus ODI total. Opening batters Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza set the platform with a 189-run stand, the second-highest opening partnership for Pakistan Women in ODIs. Right-handed batter Gull raced to her maiden ODI hundred off just 93 balls — the fastest for a Pakistan Women’s batter  before being stumped by Vimbai Mutungwindu off Lindokuhle Mabhero for 100 off 95 balls aided by 13 fours, with the scoreboard reading 189 for one in the 31st over.

Sadaf followed up her 98 in the previous match with a maiden ODI hundred of her own, eventually falling for 101 off 112 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six, before being dismissed by Olinder Chare at 237 for two in the 40th over. Sadaf also became the first Pakistan Women’s batter to register 50-plus scores in four consecutive ODI innings. Sidra Amin remained unbeaten on 59 off 58 balls hitting six fours, while Ayesha Zafar finished 18 not out (8b, 3x4s). Sidra’s today’s knock of 50-plus was overall 22nd in her ODI career – surpassing Bismah Maroof’s record of 21 50-plus in 132 ODI innings. Aliya Riaz (27, 14b, 5x4s) and captain Fatima (25, 13b, 1×4, 2x6s) added late cameos. In reply, Zimbabwe Women were bundled out for 137 in 39 overs. Runyararo Pasipanodya remained unbeaten on 33 off 62 balls, while Kelis Ndhlovu contributed 32 off 51 balls at the top of the order as only four batters managed to get into double figures. Fatima led the bowling attack with three for 15 in six overs, while Momina Riasat,Rameen Shamim and Syeda Aroob Shah took two wickets apiece..

Brief scores:

Second ODI – Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 206 runs at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

Pakistan 343-4, 50 overs (Sadaf Shamas 101, Gull Feroza 100, Sidra Amin 59 not out, Aliya Riaz 27, Fatima Sana 25) vs Zimbabwe 137 all out, 39 overs (Runyararo Pasipanodya 33 not out, Kelis Ndhlovu 32; Fatima Sana 3-15,  Syeda Aroob Shah 2-18, Rameen Shamim 2-20, , Momina Riasat 2-39)

Player of the match: Gull Feroza (Pakistan).