Sadaf’s 98 powers Pakistan to record 168-run win against Zimbabwe

Staff Report

KARACHI: Pakistan women registered a 168-run victory over Zimbabwe women while defending their total of 330-5 in the first ODI of the three-match series here at the National Bank Stadium on Monday, opening their account in the historic bilateral series. The result is Pakistan women’s second-biggest ODI victory by runs, only behind the 193-run win against the Netherlands in 2011. The 168-run margin nudges the 157-run win over Ireland in 2013 down to third on the list. This is the first time Zimbabwe women are touring Pakistan and the first time the two sides are meeting in a bilateral series. The win takes Pakistan to four points from four matches in the ICC Women’s Championship. Being put in to bat first, Pakistan posted 330 for five in their 50 overs. Opening batter Sadaf Shamas top-scored with 98 off 130 balls featuring 17 boundaries as she fell two short of a maiden ODI hundred when she was caught off Precious Marange in the 34th over with the scoreboard reading 195 for two.

She had earlier added 162 for the opening wicket with Gull Feroza, who made a 60-ball 50 hitting five fours before being bowled by Kudzai Chigora.  The 162-run stand is Pakistan Women’s second-highest opening-wicket partnership in ODIs and the third-highest for any wicket. Sidra Amin chipped in with 67 off 59 balls aided by nine boundaries, while Najiha Alvi remained unbeaten on a quick-fire 30-ball 56 laced with eight fours and a solitary six to power Pakistan past 330. Najiha broke skipper Fatima Sana’s record of the fastest half-century for Pakistan in WODIs by a fair margin. She reached her maiden ODI fifty off just 24 balls displacing Fatima’s 35-ball record. This was also the joint-fifth fastest half-century in Women’s ODIs. Meanwhile, Pakistan posted their second-highest total at home in WODIs and third consecutive in the format. For Zimbabwe, Marange finished with three for 39 in 10 overs.

In reply, Zimbabwe Women were bundled out for 162 in 36.4 overs. Beloved Biza top-scored with a run-a-ball 53, while Kelis Ndhlovu made 31 at the top. No other batter managed to cross the 20-run mark. Tasmia Rubab led the bowling attack with two for 21, while skipper Fatima Sana chipped in with two for 28 from her five overs. Syeda Aroob Shah returned two for 38 in nine overs, including two maidens. Debutant Momina Riasat, the left-arm spinner who became 95th WODI player for Pakistan, picked up the wicket of Michelle Mavunga to end with one for 38 from her eight overs.

Brief scores:

1st ODI – Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 168 runs at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

Pakistan 330-5, 50 overs (Sadaf Shamas 98, Sidra Amin 67, Najiha Alvi 56 not out, Gull Feroza 50; Precious Marange 3-39) VS Zimbabwe 162 all out, 36.4 overs (Beloved Biza 53, Kelis Ndhlovu 31; Tasmia Rubab 2-21, Fatima Sana 2-28, Syeda Aroob Shah 2-38)

Player of the match: Sadaf Shamas (Pakistan).