Summary Ayesha Zafar smashed a record-breaking unbeaten century as Pakistan Women crushed Zimbabwe by 153 runs in the first T20I in Karachi.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Pakistan Women produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting and ruthless bowling to overwhelm Zimbabwe Women by 153 runs in the opening match of the three-match T20I series at the National Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday evening.
The hosts piled up a mammoth 237 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat first, registering their highest-ever total in Women’s T20 Internationals. Zimbabwe, facing a daunting chase requiring a run rate of 11.85 per over, crumbled for just 84 in 18.2 overs as Pakistan completed their biggest victory in WT20I history.
Pakistan's dominant charge continues!
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 12, 2026
A record-breaking win in the first T20I, Pakistan's biggest margin of victory by runs in Women's T20Is #JeetKaSafar | #PAKWvZIMW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/eU51gge6TQ
The night belonged entirely to Ayesha Zafar, whose sensational unbeaten 102 off only 47 balls left the Karachi crowd roaring in delight. The explosive opener hammered 14 boundaries and two sixes in a devastating innings that dismantled Zimbabwe’s bowling attack from the outset. Her century also entered the record books as the fastest hundred ever scored by a Pakistan woman in T20 internationals.
Ayesha reached her maiden T20I half-century at remarkable speed, recording Pakistan Women’s third-fastest fifty in the format before accelerating even further to bring up a historic hundred. Her fearless strokeplay lit up the National Stadium and turned the contest into a one-sided spectacle.
She found strong support from experienced batter Aliya Riaz, who played an aggressive knock of 48 runs and ensured the momentum never dipped during the middle overs. Gull Feroza added a fluent 37, while captain Fatima Sana chipped in with a brisk 21 to push Pakistan beyond the 230-run mark.
Pakistan’s innings gathered relentless pace after the powerplay as Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. Boundaries poured from both ends, with the home side repeatedly piercing gaps and clearing the infield with ease. By the closing overs, Zimbabwe appeared completely out of answers as Pakistan continued their assault until the final delivery.
For Zimbabwe, Nomvelo Sibanda claimed two wickets, while Michelle Mavunga and Precious Marange picked up one apiece, though all four bowlers endured a difficult outing against Pakistan’s rampant batting line-up.
Chasing the highest target ever set by Pakistan Women in T20Is, Zimbabwe never recovered from early setbacks. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight lines and constant pressure, reducing the visitors to a state of collapse as wickets fell at regular intervals.
The visitors were eventually bowled out for 84 in 18.2 overs, sealing a crushing defeat and handing Pakistan a commanding start to the series. The 153-run margin became Pakistan Women’s largest-ever victory in WT20I cricket, underlining the dominance of the hosts in every department.
