Karachi, May 12, 2026: A brilliant unbeaten century by top-order batter Ayesha Zafar powered Pakistan women’s national cricket team to a massive total of 237/5 against Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team in the first T20I of the three-match series at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan produced an explosive batting display led by Ayesha Zafar, who remained unbeaten on 102 off just 47 deliveries, smashing 15 fours and two sixes.
Pakistan made a quick start through openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza, who added 23 runs before Zimbabwe captain Nomvelo Sibanda dismissed Muneeba in the second over.
Ayesha then joined Gull Feroza at the crease, and the pair stitched together a brisk 34-run partnership before Precious Marange removed Gull, who scored a rapid 37 off 19 balls featuring eight boundaries.
Despite brief stays from debutant Saira Jabeen and Natalia Pervaiz, Ayesha continued to dominate the Zimbabwe attack.
She later found strong support from Aliya Riaz, with the pair adding 67 runs in just 35 deliveries to push Pakistan beyond the 200-run mark.
Aliya narrowly missed out on a half-century after being stumped by Beloved Biza for a blistering 48 off 23 balls, including four sixes and four fours.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana then joined Ayesha for an unbeaten 70-run partnership to finish the innings strongly. Fatima remained unbeaten on 21 off 13 deliveries.
For Zimbabwe, captain Nomvelo Sibanda was the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 59 in four overs. Michelle Mavunga, Beloved Biza, and Precious Marange claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan’s total of 237/5 marks one of the team’s highest scores in women’s T20 internationals and puts the hosts in a commanding position in the opening match of the series.
