103/8 (20.0)
CR : 5.15
170/4 (20.0)
CR : 8.50
Pakistan Women won by 67 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
Eyman Fatima
79(43)*
Over 20
Zimbabwe Women 103/8
Kudzai Chigora14(11)
Nomvelo Sibanda18(37)
Saira Jabeen0-17(2.0)
PAK-W won by 67 runs
11:13 PM IST, 10:43 PM local time: Pakistan Women win by 67 runs and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series.
On paper, it might seem as if Zimbabwe Women have suffered yet another hammering. However, those who watched things closely will tell you that there was something different tonight. The bowling was more disciplined and the batting was more stubborn that what we witnessed in the last match.
Pakistan wanted to dominate. The intent was clear when Fatima Sana mentioned at the toss that tonight, they wanted to emulate their massive score of 237 from the last game. However, they could not get off the blocks like they did the other night. Some of it was down to the slowness of the surface, some due to ordinary batting, but largely it was a far better bowling effort from the visitors that did not let Pakistan break free.
With the hosts strangled to 49/3 in the first 9 overs, Zimbabwe might have even dreamt of winning tonight. However, Eyman Fatima stood in their way. Batting at no.5, the right-hander scored her maiden T20I half-century and helped Pakistan reach a respectable score of 170/4 in 20 overs. Unlike the other batters, Fatima's approach was seemingly uncomplicated. She did not hold back against anything that was in her zone. There was no semblance of indecisiveness in her attacking shots, and for the most part, her execution was clean too. Alongside Natalia Pervaiz, she stitched an unbeaten partnership of 88 for the 5th wicket. Earlier, Muneeba Ali had scored an iffy looking 33-ball-36. Michelle Mavunga, Lindokuhle Mabhero and Precious Marange took a wicket each.
While Zimbabwe's top order showed flashes of aggression, none of their batters could actually impose themselves on the opposition. However, after being reduced to 51/6 in the 9th over, their lower order showed some stubborn resistance and managed to bat out the stipulated 20 overs. Captain Nomvelo Sibanda led the way with 18* (37). For Pakistan, each bowled barring Saira Jabeen, who got a chance to roll their arm over, got a wicket at least. However, catching is something that both teams need to work on.
On paper, it might seem as if Zimbabwe Women have suffered yet another hammering. However, those who watched things closely will tell you that there was something different tonight. The bowling was more disciplined and the batting was more stubborn that what we witnessed in the last match.
Pakistan wanted to dominate. The intent was clear when Fatima Sana mentioned at the toss that tonight, they wanted to emulate their massive score of 237 from the last game. However, they could not get off the blocks like they did the other night. Some of it was down to the slowness of the surface, some due to ordinary batting, but largely it was a far better bowling effort from the visitors that did not let Pakistan break free.
With the hosts strangled to 49/3 in the first 9 overs, Zimbabwe might have even dreamt of winning tonight. However, Eyman Fatima stood in their way. Batting at no.5, the right-hander scored her maiden T20I half-century and helped Pakistan reach a respectable score of 170/4 in 20 overs. Unlike the other batters, Fatima's approach was seemingly uncomplicated. She did not hold back against anything that was in her zone. There was no semblance of indecisiveness in her attacking shots, and for the most part, her execution was clean too. Alongside Natalia Pervaiz, she stitched an unbeaten partnership of 88 for the 5th wicket. Earlier, Muneeba Ali had scored an iffy looking 33-ball-36. Michelle Mavunga, Lindokuhle Mabhero and Precious Marange took a wicket each.
While Zimbabwe's top order showed flashes of aggression, none of their batters could actually impose themselves on the opposition. However, after being reduced to 51/6 in the 9th over, their lower order showed some stubborn resistance and managed to bat out the stipulated 20 overs. Captain Nomvelo Sibanda led the way with 18* (37). For Pakistan, each bowled barring Saira Jabeen, who got a chance to roll their arm over, got a wicket at least. However, catching is something that both teams need to work on.
Time for the Post-Match Presentations....
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: EYMAN FATIMA
Eyman Fatima (Player of the Match): (how she is feeling?) "First of all, Alhamdulillah. I had really wished for this, so I’m feeling very good after achieving it. I try to keep things very simple and back my own technique and mindset. My approach was to go out and play my natural game - the kind of cricket that comes naturally to me. Thankfully, I was successful with that approach.
(On scoring her maiden fifty at this level) Alhamdulillah, everyone at home will be very happy, and all the people watching will also feel happy. It’s my first fifty, so it feels really special for me as well. I’m happy that I was able to score runs, and Inshallah, I’ll try to carry this form forward.
(On batting under pressure after wickets fell) There was a little bit of pressure because it was my first match, and wickets had fallen as well. So I knew I had to spend some time at the crease and play responsibly. But even after the wickets fell, my mindset remained the same - to continue playing my natural game. I believed that if I did that, we could still win the match.
(On dedicating her success) I dedicate this success to my mother because she is the reason I have reached this stage."
(On scoring her maiden fifty at this level) Alhamdulillah, everyone at home will be very happy, and all the people watching will also feel happy. It’s my first fifty, so it feels really special for me as well. I’m happy that I was able to score runs, and Inshallah, I’ll try to carry this form forward.
(On batting under pressure after wickets fell) There was a little bit of pressure because it was my first match, and wickets had fallen as well. So I knew I had to spend some time at the crease and play responsibly. But even after the wickets fell, my mindset remained the same - to continue playing my natural game. I believed that if I did that, we could still win the match.
(On dedicating her success) I dedicate this success to my mother because she is the reason I have reached this stage."
Nomvelo Sibanda (Zimbabwe Women captain): "(What went wrong?) We started really well in the field. But 7-8 overs down the line we lost concentration a bit. But we talked to our coaches and most of them thought that we did decently today.
(On promoting Biza up in the order) We had given (Beloved) Biza the green light to go for the big hits. (Plans for the last game of the tour that is tomorrow?) We will want to finish on a high. We would like to do well and finish with some positives.
(On promoting Biza up in the order) We had given (Beloved) Biza the green light to go for the big hits. (Plans for the last game of the tour that is tomorrow?) We will want to finish on a high. We would like to do well and finish with some positives.
Fatima Sana (Pakistan Women captain): (On her batting form and whether she might bat higher in the order) "Everything else is going well, and all things are fine, but one thing missing right now is my batting. I haven’t been getting many opportunities with the bat lately. We have been thinking about giving chances in different positions, so let’s see, Inshallah, maybe in the next match.
(On giving opportunities to youngsters like Eyman Fatima) This is exactly what we wanted - when we give youngsters opportunities, we want them to create an impact. The way Eyman created that impact was really impressive because initially, we were not able to capitalize properly in the Powerplay. Her comeback innings changed the momentum for us.
(On whether the pitch was difficult for batting) I think credit also goes to the opposition bowlers for the way they bowled. Our batters struggled a little bit at the start as well. But as batters, our effort was to reduce the pressure as much as possible and build the innings gradually. Inshallah, we will try our best to continue this momentum going forward, especially towards the World Cup."
(On giving opportunities to youngsters like Eyman Fatima) This is exactly what we wanted - when we give youngsters opportunities, we want them to create an impact. The way Eyman created that impact was really impressive because initially, we were not able to capitalize properly in the Powerplay. Her comeback innings changed the momentum for us.
(On whether the pitch was difficult for batting) I think credit also goes to the opposition bowlers for the way they bowled. Our batters struggled a little bit at the start as well. But as batters, our effort was to reduce the pressure as much as possible and build the innings gradually. Inshallah, we will try our best to continue this momentum going forward, especially towards the World Cup."
Pakistan Women continued to showcase their dominance. However, Zimbabwe Women have shown the hunger and the willingness to improve. At this stage, it might not seem enough to prevent a whitewash. But then, you never know. It isn't called a game of glorious uncertainties for no reason.
The final match of the series is tomorrow at the same venue. Remember, with less than a month to go for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, every game is of significance. Will we see Zimbabwe give the hosts a run for their money in the 3rd T20I? Tune in tomorrow to find out.
We hope you enjoyed the coverage of this match. This is the troika of Darpan Tikiya, Dev Rajawat and Zeeshan Naiyer waving goodbye. Keep following Crickxo for more cricketing action from around the world. See you soon!
The final match of the series is tomorrow at the same venue. Remember, with less than a month to go for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, every game is of significance. Will we see Zimbabwe give the hosts a run for their money in the 3rd T20I? Tune in tomorrow to find out.
We hope you enjoyed the coverage of this match. This is the troika of Darpan Tikiya, Dev Rajawat and Zeeshan Naiyer waving goodbye. Keep following Crickxo for more cricketing action from around the world. See you soon!