Feroza, Shamas Star As Pakistan Seal Clean Sweep Against Zimbabwe
KARACHI: Pakistan women’s national cricket team wrapped up a dominant ODI series against Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team with a commanding nine-wicket victory in the third and final match at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday, sealing a clean 3-0 sweep.
Chasing 223 for victory, Pakistan made light work of the target by reaching 223/1 in only 31.5 overs, courtesy of a superb opening partnership between Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza.
Feroza produced a sensational unbeaten century, scoring 106 from just 92 balls and striking 16 fours during her match-winning knock. Shamas continued her impressive form with a fluent 90 off 98 deliveries, hitting 13 boundaries before falling with the score on 220. Stand-in skipper Muneeba Ali then finished the chase with a boundary.
Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 222/9 in their 50 overs after opting to bat first. Opener Kelis Ndlovu gave the visitors a steady start with a patient 51 off 72 balls that included eight boundaries.
The backbone of Zimbabwe’s innings, however, was Beloved Biza, who compiled an excellent 73 from 88 deliveries. Her innings featured 12 fours and helped stabilize the batting through the middle overs. Captain Nomvelo Sibanda remained unbeaten on 35 off 55 balls, while Adel Zimunu added a useful 23.
Despite a few valuable partnerships, Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum consistently as Pakistan’s bowlers struck regularly at important stages of 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 picked up 2/36. Momina Riasat chipped in with one wicket, whereas Diana Baig and Natalia Pervaiz kept the scoring under control despite remaining wicketless.
