Advertisement
Advertisement
KARACHI: Eyman Fatima’s unbeaten 79, supported by a resounding bowling performance, sealed a 67-run victory for Pakistan over Zimbabwe in the second T20I of the three-match series.
Opting to bat first under lights at the National Bank Stadium, Pakistan amassed 170-4 in 20 overs, largely due to Eyman Fatima’s fighting maiden half-century.
Pakistan were put under pressure from the visitors right from the start, reducing them to 35-2 at the end of the powerplay.
Inform batters Ayesha Zafar and Gull Feroza departed after managing nine and four respectively. The home side’s woes were further compounded when Iram Javed fell after scoring only five in the seventh over.
However, Eyman Fatima held the innings together by stitching two crucial partnerships. She first paired up with Muneeba Ali for a 46-run stand, bringing the total to 92 in 13.2 overs. Ali made 36 off 33 with the aid of four boundaries.
The highlight of the innings was an unbeaten 78-run partnership between Nataliya Pervaiz and Eyman Fatima off 40 balls, which powered Pakistan into a strong position.
Eyman did the bulk of the scoring while Nataliya played the second fiddle. The former hit 10 fours and four sixes in her 79* off 43 balls. Nataliya struck three fours in her 24 from 19 deliveries.
For Zimbabwe, Precious Marange, Lindokuhle Mabhero, and Michelle Mavunga scalped one wicket each.
In reply, Zimbabwe batters never got going as they could only muster 103-8 at the end of 20 overs.
Pakistan bowlers piled pressure on the opposition batters with early wickets.
Fatima Sana and Tuba Hasan started the proceedings for the home side, removing the top-three batters inside the first six overs. The visitors’ slide continued as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Eventually, Zimbabwe fell way short with their skipper Nomvelo Sibanda remaining unbeaten on 18.
For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up two wickets.
With this victory, Pakistan sealed the T20I series with one match remaining.
READ: Derbyshire name Sufyan Moqim’s replacement for T20 Blast
