Mumbai: Fatima Sana’s historic innings helped the Pakistan women’s national cricket team beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in a T20I series in Karachi, a series win that will give them momentum ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana smashed the fastest half-century in Women’s T20 Internationals, reaching the milestone in a blazing unbeaten 55 off 18 balls, including 15 balls for her fifty. Her innings featured 10 boundaries and two sixes and set a new world record held jointly by Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield and Richa Ghosh, who all scored T20I fifties in 18 balls.
Pakistan posted a mammoth total of 223 for four after being 93 for three in the 11th over, thanks to Fatima’s late blitz. Young batter Saira Jabeen also impressed with her maiden T20I half-century, scoring the milestone in 32 balls.
Zimbabwe started their chase in positive fashion through Kelis Ndhlovu, who raced to 32 off just 13 balls, but the Pakistani spinners soon took control. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal took three wickets in two overs and ruined the chase.
Pakistan’s bowling attack then mopped up the innings for a paltry 90 runs to record a comprehensive win. Sadia Iqbal took three wickets for 20 runs, while Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sundhu also made important contributions with the ball.
The series win kept Pakistan’s unbeaten run intact in their recent international assignments against Zimbabwe and further boosted their preparations ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, starting June 12.
Another positive for Pakistan was young batter Eyman Fatima announcing herself with a career-best unbeaten 79 off 43 deliveries in the second T20I as Pakistan took an unassailable lead in the series with a 67-run win. The 21-year-old hit 10 fours and four sixes in her first game of the Zimbabwe tour, an impressive performance that may help her secure a place in Pakistan’s World Cup squad.
Fastest Fifties in Women’s T20Is
- Fatima Sana (Pakistan) – 15 balls vs Zimbabwe, 2026
- Sophie Devine (New Zealand) – 18 balls vs India, 2015
- Phoebe Litchfield (Australia) – 18 balls vs West Indies, 2023
- Richa Ghosh (India) – 18 balls vs West Indies, 2024
- Nida Dar (Pakistan) – 20 balls vs South Africa, 2019
