Tag: Zimbabwe

KARACHI: Fatima Sanas’ all-round display powered Pakistan Women’s team to a 3-0 sweep over Zimbabwe in the T20I series at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Set a daunting 224, Zimbabwe’s batting lineup faltered and were bowled out for 90 in 19.1 overs.

After losing a wicket early, Opener Kelis Ndhlovu tried to put pressure back on Pakistan. However, her dismissal in the third over sparked a collapse from which the visitors never recovered.

She remained the top scorer with 32 off 13 balls, including six fours and a maximum, in an otherwise shambolic display. The slide continued until the 17th over, as the Chevrons were bundled out well short of the 100-run mark.

For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal starred with the ball, picking up three wickets.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan posted their second-highest T20I total, finishing the innings on 223-4 in 20 overs.

Openers Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar laid a solid foundation for a big total with a 58-run partnership in the first six overs.

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Both Muneeba and Ayesha were trapped lbw after scoring 22 and 45, respectively.

Zimbabwe briefly fought back in the ninth over with two quick wickets, but Iram Javed (29) and Saira Jabeen stitched a steady 59-run partnership to steady the innings.

The final flourish came through Fatima Sana and Saira Jabeen’s unbeaten 71-run partnership from just 22 balls, which proved to be the final nail in the coffin.

Fatima remained 62* not out from 19, striking 10 fours and two sixes. In doing so, she also became the fastest half-century in Women’s T20I cricket. Meanwhile, Saira Jabeen scored his maiden half-century, remaining unbeaten on 50 off 32 balls, including eight fours.

For Zimbabwe, Lindokuhle Mabhero scalped two wickets.

With this win, Pakistan ended a dominant home series, winning all six games — completing a 3-0 ODI series followed by a 3-0 T20I whitewash.

READ: Fatima Sana creates world record during Zimbabwe T20I

KARACHI: Pakistan team skipper Fatima Sana scripted history after smashing the fastest half-century in Women’s T20Is against Zimbabwe at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Sana reached the milestone in the final over of the innings. In doing so, she broke New Zealand’s Sophie Devine’s record of an 18-ball fifty, which was set against India in 2015.

Moreover, she now holds the record for the fastest fifty by a Pakistani batter, both men’s and women’s T20Is.

Fatima eventually finished on unbeaten 62 from just 19 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes. The notable highlight of her innings was a 24-run over against Nomvelo Sibanda, duirng which she strucl three fours and two sixes.

Fastest fifties in WT20Is

Pakistan — Fatima Sana 15 balls against Zimbabwe

New Zealand — Sophie Devine 18 balls against India

Australia — Phoebe Litchfield 18 balls against West Indies

India — Richa Ghosh 18 balls against West Indies

Her blistering knock helped Pakistan post a strong total of 223 at the end of 20 overs. Saira Jabeen also chipped in with a 50 not out off 32 balls, featuring eight fours.

Fastest fifties for Pakistan in T20Is

Fatima Sana 15 balls against Zimbabwe in 2026
Shoaib Malik 18 balls against Scotland in 2021
Shadab Khan 20 balls against South Africa in 2022
Nida Dar 20 balls against South Africa in 2019
Iftikhar Ahmed 20 balls against New Zealand in 2023

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (wk), Ayesha Zafar, Natalia Pervaiz, Saira Jabeen, Iram Javed, Fatima Sana (c), Eyman Fatima, Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Tuba Hassan and Sadia Iqbal.

Zimbabwe: Beloved Biza, Natasha Mtomba, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Kelis Ndhlovu, Adel Zimunu, Vimbai Mutungwindu (wk), Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda (c), Lindokuhle Mabhero, Kudzai Chigora and Olinda Chare.

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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.

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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.

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KARACHI: Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team produced a record-breaking performance to complete a 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series at the National Bank Stadium.

After a dominant display in the third ODI on Saturday, Pakistan also climbed to second spot in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 points table.

Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first in the final ODI backfired as they managed 222-9 in 50 overs. Beloved Biza remained the top-scorer for them, scoring 73 off 88 balls, including 12 fours. For Pakistan, Tasmia Rubab scalped three wickets.

In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in only 31.5 overs, losing one wicket in the process. Gull Feroza starred with the bat, notching up her second consecutive century. She remained unbeaten on 106 off just 92 balls, striking 16 fours.

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Meanwhile, Sadaf Shams also played well, hitting 13 fours in her 90 off 98 deliveries.

The opening pair continued their record-breaking form, powering Pakistan to several milestones during the series against Zimbabwe.

Their 90-run powerplay set a new benchmark for Pakistan Women in ODIs. The duo also equalled the record for the most century partnerships by a Pakistan Women’s opening pair (three), matching the record held by Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin.

Both batters recorded the most runs by a pair in a bilateral ODI series with 571 runs, registered three consecutive 150-plus stands, and produced the second-highest partnership for any wicket for Pakistan Women in ODIs (220 runs).

Sadaf Shamas became the first Pakistani batter to score five successive fifty-plus scores in Women’s ODI, while Gull Feroza broke her own record for the fastest century by a Pakistan Women batter, reaching the milestone in 83 balls.

Gull Feroza also became only the second Pakistani player to score back-to-back centuries in Women’s ODIs, as Pakistan finished with the highest successful chase run-rate of 7.06 in a 200-plus target.

READ: Bangladesh name ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad

KARACHI: Sadaf Shams’ 98 and a resounding bowling performance sealed a 168-run victory for the Pakistan women’s team over Zimbabwe at the National Bank Stadium on Monday.

Chasing a massive 331 run target, Zimbabwe fell way short and were bowled out for 162 in 36.4 overs.

The 168-run victory was Pakistan women’s second-biggest winning margin.

Fatima Sana started the proceedings for Pakistan, removing Christine Mutasa for one in the second over.  After an early wicket, Kelly Ndiraya and Kelis Ndhlovu added a brief 28-run partnership to put the chase back on track.

However, Sana struck again, removing Ndirya (11), sparking a collapse that Zimbabwe never recovered from. Beloved Biza showed some resistance with 53 off 53 deliveries with the aid of eight fours.

 

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For Pakistan, Fatima Sana, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Tasmia Rubab picked up two wickets each.

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Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Pakistan racked up 330 for five in 50 overs, thanks to a solid opening partnership between Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shams. The duo shared a 162-run stand in 28.2 overs, laying a strong foundation for a big total.

Gull Feroza hit five fours in her half-century from 60 balls. Meanwhile, Shams continued on, putting on a brief 33-run partnership with Sidra Amin. She was eventually caught on 98 from 130 balls, peppered with 17 fours.

Zimbabwe made a comeback in the middle phase of the innings, taking quick wickets to leave Pakistan four down for 219 in 39.1 overs.

But it was Sidra Amin and Najiha Alvi’s brisk 96-run stand from just 58 balls that took them past the 300-run mark. Sidra struck nine fours in her 67, whereas Najiha Alvi remained unbeaten on 56 off 30, hitting a six and eight fours.

For Zimbabwe, Precious Marange picked up three wickets.

The second ODI of the three-match series will be played at the same venue on May 6.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan training session in Dhaka ahead of Bangladesh series

The India cricket team is set to tour Zimbabwe for a three-match T20I series in July, the country’s cricket board said on Wednesday, packing more matches into their already-busy calendar.

The matches will all be played in Harare, on July 23, 25 and 26,  before the teams meet again in January next year for three ODI matches in India.

India last toured Zimbabwe in 2024, winning a five-match T20 series 4-1.

Top-ranked India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, won the T20 World Cup last month at home.

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Zimbabwe are a lowly 11th in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings but were a surprise package at the World Cup, topping their group to make it through to the second stage.

“Matches against India always generate enormous interest, and this is a fantastic opportunity for our players to test themselves against the world champions on home soil,” said Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director Givemore Makoni.

“Following our encouraging performances at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, this series gives us a strong platform to build momentum and continue growing as a competitive force in international cricket.

“We are looking forward to competitive and high-quality cricket and we believe this engagement will further strengthen the relationship between the two cricketing nations while providing invaluable exposure for our team.”

Zimbabwe-India T20I Series Schedule

1st T20I – July 23

2nd T20I – July 25

3rd T20I – July 26

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The West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket squads and support staff at the T20 World Cup 2026 have been stranded in India, unable to leave because of airspace closures and travel chaos caused by the war in the Middle East.

Both sides exited the tournament on Sunday at the end of the Super Eights stage and had been scheduled to fly home from India via the United Arab Emirates.

But after Iran responded to an attack by the United States and Israel on Saturday by firing missiles and drones across the Gulf region, thousands of flights have been cancelled in the busy hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“The Zimbabwe senior men’s team remains safe and well in India,” Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement late Monday.

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“The squad was scheduled to return home via Dubai, but travel plans have been affected by the evolving situation in the Middle East, which has disrupted key transit routes.”

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said they were “working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental authorities and airline partners to secure the earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff”.

The ICC has its headquarters in Dubai, where the airport was damaged, and numerous explosions have occurred in recent days.

The cricket world governing body said it had activated comprehensive contingency plans to safeguard everyone associated with the T20 World Cup.

READ: ICC unveils match officials for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals

South Africa survived a brilliant all-round show by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza to record a five-wicket win Sunday that means they remained unbeaten at the T20 World Cup ahead of a semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday.

After Zimbabwe scored 153-7 in New Delhi, South Africa survived an early wobble.

Dewald Brevis hit 42 off 18 balls as the 2024 runners-up reached 154-5 in 17.5 overs.

“It’s exciting. Really exciting. A semi-final in Kolkata against New Zealand,” said South Africa captain Aiden Markram.

“The boys will be up for it. It’s still 40 overs of good cricket needed and we need to give it that respect.”

Raza, who was named player of the match, earlier hit 73 and then took 3-29 with his off-spin for Zimbabwe, who had stunned Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka in the group stage to reach the Super Eights.

“My immediate reflection is that I shouldn’t be here. I’ve never got a man of the match for losing the game, but I can hold my head high,” said Raza.

“The way the boys have played the whole tournament, I know we took a bit of beating in the previous two games, but I think with each beating came a valuable lesson. I think we have improved with every game that we have played.”

Raza struck on the third ball of the South African chase to send back Quinton de Kock caught behind for a duck.

Raza bowled Markram for four in the next over.

Ryan Rickelton was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Brad Evans and took five minutes to recover.

He then lifted Evans for two straight sixes in the next over before the bowler had him caught for 31.

Brevis and David Miller, who hit 22, put on 50 before two more quick strikes from Zimbabwe.

Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Miller, and Raza removed Brevis.

Tristan Stubbs (21) and George Linde (30) then put on an unbeaten 53 to steer their side to the target.

After choosing to bat, Zimbabwe lost the in-form opener Brian Bennett, who hit an unbeaten 97 in the defeat by India, for 15.

Raza reached his fifty off 29 balls before falling to left-armer Kwena Maphaka, caught by Miller off a leading edge.

Clive Madande boosted the total with 26 not out off 20 balls at the end.

Maphaka took 2-21 from his four overs and Corbin Bosch 2-40.

READ: Former Pakistan captain weighs options to replace Salman Ali Agha

CHENNAI: Defending champions India produced a batting masterclass to dismantle Zimbabwe and, in the process, rewrote multiple records during their Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.

India piled up a staggering 256-4 in their allotted 20 overs, now their highest-ever total in T20 World Cup history.

The effort eclipsed their previous best of 218/4 against England in the inaugural 2007 edition.

India’s highest totals in T20 World Cups

256/4 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

218/4 vs England (2007)

210/2 vs Afghanistan (2021)

209/9 vs Namibia (2026)

205/5 vs Australia (2024)

The total also ranks as India’s fifth-highest score in men’s T20 Internationals overall, with their 297/6 against Bangladesh in 2024 still sitting at the top.

The 256-4 is also the second-highest total ever recorded in the history of the men’s T20 World Cup.

Only Sri Lanka’s 260/6 against Ireland in 2007 stands above it.

Highest totals in ICC Men’s T20 World Cups

Sri Lanka – 260/6 vs Ireland (2007)

India – 256/4 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

West Indies – 254/6 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

Ireland – 235/5 vs Oman (2026)

England – 230/8 vs South Africa (2016)

In doing so, India surpassed the West Indies’ 254-6, also made against Zimbabwe earlier in the ongoing Super Eight stage, while Ireland’s 235/5 slipped to third in the current edition’s rankings.

Notably, India’s 256-4 is now the highest total of the 2026 tournament so far.

The carnage was highlighted by an onslaught of sixes. Indian batters cleared the ropes 17 times, the most by India in a single T20 World Cup innings.

Their previous best was 15 sixes against Australia in the semi-final of the 2024 edition.

Most sixes in an innings at T20 World Cups

West Indies – 19 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

Netherlands – 19 vs Ireland (2014)

India – 17 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

Australia – 16 vs India (2010)

India – 15 vs Australia (2024)

While West Indies and the Netherlands jointly hold the overall record with 19 sixes in an innings, India’s 17 placed them third on the all-time list.

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CHENNAI: Dominant India sealed a massive win over Zimbabwe in the Group 1 crucial Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.

Set a massive 257, spirited Zimbabwe fell short, managing 184-6 despite Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97*.

Zimbabwe, who stunned Australia and Sri Lanka to reach the Super Eights, were never in the chase despite a brisk start as the asking rate kept rising.

Opener Brian Bennett was not out 97, the highest individual score by a Zimbabwean in T20 World Cup history, as his side exited the semi-final reckoning with a game still to play.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers conceded 510 runs in 40 overs in two Super Eights matches after West Indies posted 254-6 against the tournament’s surprise packages on Monday.

India’s left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh took 3-24 from his four overs.

With this, South Africa have qualified for the semi-final while India will play West Indies in a virtual quarter-final.

Earlier, Abhishek Sharma’s brisk half-century, ably supported by cameos from the middle order, propelled India to a massive total

Put into bat first under lights at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, India racked up a massive 256-4 in their 20 overs, the second-highest target of World Cup history.

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided a brisk start, adding 48 in 3.4 overs.

Samson made 24 from 15 balls with the help of two sixes and a four.

The rampage continued as Ishan Kishan joined the party, taking the score to 120 in 10.4 overs. Kishan made 38 from 24, striking four boundaries and a six.

Meanwhile, Sharma also continued the assault and reached his — maiden World Cup fifty, putting India into a dominant position.

He was eventually caught after scoring 55 off 30, including four maximums and four boundaries.

At this stage, India were 150-3 in 12.5 overs.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (33 from 13) also flexed their muscles.

Pandya and Varma particularly provided the impetus in the final overs, with the former reaching his fifty on the final ball of the innings. The all-rounder hit four maximums and two fours on his way to 50* from 23.

Meanwhile, Varma 44 from 16 was laced with four sixes and three boundaries.

For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava picked up a wicket each.

Playing XIs

India: 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Sanju Samson (wk), 3 Ishan Kishan, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Shivam Dube, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah

Zimbabwe: 1 Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), 2 Brian Bennett, 3 Dion Myers, 4 Ryan Burl, 5 Sikandar Raza (capt), 6 Tony Munyonga, 7 Tashinga Musekiwa, 8 Brad Evans, 9 Tinotenda Maposa, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Richard Ngarava

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