Pakistan women’s national cricket team completed a dominant 3-0 whitewash over Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team after registering a convincing nine-wicket victory in the third Women’s One-Day International at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.
With victories in all three matches of the series, Pakistan not only lifted the trophy but also secured six valuable points in the ICC Women’s Championship.
Pakistan chased down Zimbabwe’s target of 223 runs in just 31.5 overs for the loss of one wicket after the visitors had posted 222-9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Zimbabwe, after opting to bat first, were guided by Beloved Biza, who scored 73 runs, while Kelis Ndhlovu contributed 51. Captain Nomvelo Sibanda added 35 runs and Adel Zimunu chipped in with 23.
For Pakistan, Tasmia Rubab claimed three wickets, while Syeda Aroob Shah and Ayesha Zafar picked up two wickets each. Momina Riasat took one wicket.
Pakistan once again got off to a flying start through openers Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shamas, who stitched together a magnificent 220-run opening partnership.
The stand was broken in the 31st over when Sadaf Shamas departed after scoring 90 runs off 98 balls with the help of 13 boundaries. Pakistan achieved the target just two balls later.
Gull Feroza remained unbeaten on 106 off 92 deliveries, smashing 16 fours, while Muneeba Ali stayed not out on four.
Gull Feroza also set a new Pakistan record for the fastest century in Women’s ODI cricket, reaching the landmark in 83 balls. In the previous match, she had already broken Sidra Amin’s record with a 93-ball century.
The opening pair of Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shamas also created a new world record by scoring 571 runs together for the first wicket across three consecutive matches in a bilateral ODI series, surpassing the previous Indian record.
Pakistan had made two changes for the match as regular captain Fatima Sana and Sidra Amin were rested, while Muneeba Ali led the side and Natalia Pervaiz was included in the playing XI.
Pakistan had earlier won the first ODI by 168 runs and the second by 206 runs.
Gull Feroza was named both player of the match and player of the series for her outstanding performances throughout the series.
Following the clean sweep, Pakistan moved to second place in the ICC Women’s ODI Championship standings, while the team mentor and head coach dedicated the victory to the country’s armed forces.