Pakistan youngster catches the eye ahead of T20 World Cup
Good signs for a young Pakistan batter of the future after a dominant showing against Zimbabwe.
Young batter Eyman Fatima scored her maiden half-century as Pakistan opened up an unassailable lead in their T20I series against Zimbabwe with an emphatic 67-run victory in Karachi on Thursday.
It was Fatima's first appearance of the Zimbabwe tour and the right-hander showed some class with a career-best innings of 79* from just 43 deliveries that helped her win the Player of the Match award.
Pakistan seal an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a brilliant all-round effort 💪
— ICC (@ICC) May 14, 2026
📝: https://t.co/Izi94hruDC pic.twitter.com/ESTvkd4Kjq
Fatima smashed 10 fours and four massive sixes during her stay at the crease and bodes well for Pakistan at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup should the 21-year-old win selection in the side's 15-player squad for the tournament that commences in England and Wales on June 12.
"First of all, I'm thankful to God that I played well," Fatima said at the post-match presentation.
"I'm feeling good that I scored and my flow was good. Your flow is very simple when you look at the ball and back your technique.
"I just want to play naturally. I've always been successful with that."
Pakistan’s explosive match-winner Eyman Fatima | U19 Women's T20 WC
Eyman Fatima hit a superb 62* in her side’s win over Zimbabwe at the U19 T20 World Cup.
Fatima came to the crease with Pakistan in a spot of bother at 46/3 in the eighth over, but combined well with opener Muneeba Ali (36) and No.6 Natalia Pervaiz (24*) to guide the home side to a good score of 170/4 from their 20 overs.
It was only Fatima's eighth game at international level, with the youngster having to be patient for another chance at senior level after she finished the 2023 edition of the ICC Women's Under-19 Cricket World Cup as the fourth leading run-scorer with 157 runs.
Fatima made the most of her chance depite admitting she had some nerves heading into the match.
"There was a little pressure at the start because it was my first match (of the series)," she said.
"I had to score and play well and when the wickets fell (around me), I knew that I'll play my natural game.
"Yes, everyone at home will be very happy.
"It's my first 50 and I'm feeling good that I'm scoring. So, I'll carry on like this.
"I dedicate this to my mother. She had a vision of me coming this far."
The third and final game of the series against Zimbabwe will be held in Karchi on Friday.
Series schedule:
First T20I: May 12 (Pakistan won by 153 runs)
Second T20I: May 14 (Pakistan won by 67 runs)
Third T20I: May 15