Pak Women vs Zim Women 2nd ODI Live: Zimbabwe Reeling in 344-Run Chase

KARACHI: Zimbabwe Women face a monumental task at the National Stadium, reaching 75/3 after 20 overs in pursuit of a massive 344-run target set by Pakistan. The visitors trail by 267 runs with seven wickets in hand, struggling to find the boundary against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack that has exploited the early movement under the lights.

Chasing Pakistan's record-breaking 343/4, anchored by both openers' centuries, Zimbabwe needed a flying start. However, the Pakistani opening pair of Diana Baig and Fatima Sana stifled the scoring from the outset. Baig provided the initial breakthrough in the second over, trapping opening batter Christine Mutasa for 4 with a delivery that nipped back sharply.

The pressure told on the Zimbabwean top order as the required run rate quickly climbed toward nine runs per over. In the 3rd over, Kelly Ndiraya got out on Fatima Sana's sharp delivery. Kelis Ndhlovu attempted to anchor the innings, navigating the Powerplay with a series of defensive strokes interspersed with occasional flashes of aggression. Her innings of 32 ended when she was clean bowled by Momina Riasat. 

The dismissal left Zimbabwe reeling at 66/3, further dampening their hopes of a successful chase. 

The middle order has found it difficult to rotate the strike, with the dot-ball count mounting significantly during the first 20 overs.

After 20 0vers, Beloved Biza (29*) remains the lone bright spot for the Lady Chevrons. Alongside Runyararo Pasipanodya, she has focused on survival rather than the scoreboard, attempting to rebuild the innings following the top-order collapse. With the pitch offering turn for the spinners and the required rate now exceeding 9.5 runs per over, the hosts are firmly in the driver's seat. 

Pakistan looks poised to secure not only this match but a series victory, currently leading the three-match ODI series 1-0. Zimbabwe will require a historic middle-order resurgence to prevent a second consecutive heavy defeat in Karachi.

Watch Pak Women vs Zim Women 2nd ODI live on tapmad.