Record knock gives Pakistan momentum ahead of T20 World Cup
Fatima Sana hit the fastest-ever half-century in Women’s T20Is to lead Pakistan to a 3-0 series win over Zimbabwe.
Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup received a significant boost in their final T20I against Zimbabwe in Karachi.
Leading their charge was none other than skipper Fatima Sana, who broke the record for the fastest-ever half-century in Women’s T20Is. Dispatching 10 fours and two sixes during her 18-ball unbeaten stay, Fatima Sana reached her T20I fifty in merely 15 balls, thus creating a world record.
A captain's cameo by Fatima Sana | WT20WC 2024
The previous record was jointly held by Sophie Devine (versus India in 2015), Phoebe Litchfield (versus West Indies in 2023), and Richa Ghosh (versus West Indies in 2024) who had achieved the landmark in merely 18 balls.
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Courtesy of Sana’s blitz, Pakistan blazed their way to 223/4, after having been 93/3 at the 10.2 over mark. Playing her third T20I, Saira Jabeen also scored her first-ever T20I half-century off 32 balls.
Zimbabwe’s response was boosted by early aggression with Kelis Ndhlovu dispatching the ball across the park and racing to 32 off merely 13. But Pakistan’s left-arm spin expert Sadia Iqbal picked three wickets off her first two overs to put the brakes on the chase.
Pakistan's spin battery then ran through the Zimbabwe batting to bowl them out for 90 runs. Sadia (3/20), Rameen Shamim (1/11), and Nashra Sundhu (2/21) did the bulk of damage.
The victory meant that Pakistan had been undefeated across the two international series against Zimbabwe and have gained further confidence ahead of the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup.
Picture Credit: PCB