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Pakistan Women wrapped up a comprehensive 3-0 ODI series sweep over Zimbabwe Women after registering a commanding nine-wicket victory in the third ODI at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday. Chasing a competitive target of 223, the hosts produced a batting masterclass as Gull Feroza smashed an unbeaten century while Sadaf Shamas narrowly missed out on a hundred in a near-perfect run chase.
Beloved Biza and Kelis Ndhlovu help Zimbabwe post fighting total
After Zimbabwe Women opted to bat first, they showed far more resistance compared to the first two ODIs and managed to post 222/9 in their 50 overs. Beloved Biza was the standout performer with a superb 73 off 88 deliveries, striking 12 boundaries during her impressive innings. Kelis Ndhlovu also contributed a valuable half-century, scoring 51 from 72 balls, while Nomvelo Sibanda added 35 runs lower down the order to help Zimbabwe cross the 220-run mark.
Zimbabwe started positively despite losing Kelly Ndiraya early after a quick cameo of 8 from just six balls. Biza and Ndhlovu steadied the innings with a crucial partnership that frustrated the Pakistani bowlers for long periods. Adel Zimunu chipped in with 23 runs, but regular wickets in the final overs prevented the visitors from pushing towards a bigger total.
For Pakistan Women, Tasmia Rubab delivered an important spell, finishing with figures of 3/49 in her 10 overs. Syeda Aroob Shah also impressed with two wickets, while Ayesha Zafar made a surprising impact with the ball, claiming two wickets for just 13 runs in six economical overs. Momina Riasat picked up one wicket as Pakistan managed to restrict Zimbabwe despite the strong middle-order fightback.
Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shamas dominate record chase
In reply, Pakistan Women came out with complete control and confidence. Openers Feroza and Shamas dismantled the Zimbabwe bowling attack with an outstanding 221-run opening stand that effectively sealed the contest long before the finish line.
Feroza was the star of the evening as she remained unbeaten on 106 off just 92 deliveries. Her fluent knock included 16 boundaries and showcased her ability to dominate both pace and spin with ease. Shamas played the perfect supporting role and came agonisingly close to a century herself, scoring 90 from 98 balls with 13 fours.
The duo maintained a brisk scoring rate throughout the innings and punished loose deliveries consistently. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to create chances, with Kudzai Chigora being the only wicket-taker after dismissing Shamas late in the chase. Muneeba Ali then walked in and finished the game quickly with an unbeaten four-run cameo as Pakistan reached 225/1 in just 31.5 overs.
Pakistan Women head into T20I series with momentum
Feroza was deservedly named Player of the Match for her match-winning century that capped off a brilliant batting performance from the home side. She also bagged Player of the Series award.
Notably,Pakistan Women had already dominated the series earlier with victories by 168 runs and 206 runs in the first two ODIs respectively. The teams will now shift focus to the T20I leg of the tour, with the first T20I scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 12, at the National Stadium in Karachi.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
