Records fall for Pakistan in strong T20 World Cup audition

Pakistan have produced a strong team performance to defeat Zimbabwe by 168 runs in the first ODI in Karachi on Monday that forms part of the ongoing ICC Women's Championship.

Four players scored half-centuries as Pakistan scored 330/5 after they were sent into bat first by Zimbabwe captain Nomvelo Sibanda, with Sadaf Shamas leading the way with an innings of 98 at the top of the order.

Sidra Amin (67), Najiha Alvi (56*) and Gull Feroza (50) also contributed half-centuries, with Alvi manaing to score the quickest 50 by any Pakistan player in women's ODIs after she reached the feat inside 24 deliveries.

The opening stand of 162 between Shamas and Feroza was the third-highest for any wicket by Pakistan in women's ODIs, while the victory margin was the second-largest in runs by the team.

Beloved Biza (53) played a lone hand for Zimbabwe in reply, but Pakistan's bowlers - led superbly by skipper Fatima Sana (2/28) - ensured the visitors fell well short in their run chase.

It bodes well for Pakistan ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup that commences in England and Wales on June 12, with the side drawn in Group 1 and scheduled to play fixtures against Australia, Bangladesh, India, Netherlands and South Africa.

The next two matches of the ODI series against Zimbabwe will be held in Karachi on Wednesday and Saturday, with the side then scheduled to take on the same opposition in a three-match T20I series prior to the T20 World Cup.

Series schedule:

First ODI: May 4, Karachi (Pakistan won by 168 runs)

Second ODI: May 6, Karachi

Third ODI: May 9, Karachi