Pak Women vs Zim Women Live Updates as Eyman Fatima Masterclass Powers Pakistan to 170

KARACHI: A blistering, masterclass performance from Eyman Fatima propelled Pakistan Women to a commanding 170 for 4 in the first innings of the 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe Women at the National Stadium, Karachi.

Looking to seal the three-match series following their record-breaking 153-run victory in the opener, Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bat first under the lights. 

Electing to bat first, Pakistan’s initial game plan fell apart rapidly under a disciplined, aggressive opening spell from the Zimbabwean bowlers. Left-arm seamer stifled the hosts in the powerplay. Zimbabwe found their first breakthrough when Mavunga dismissed opener Gull Feroza for 9

The pressure mounted as veteran off-spinner Precious Marange struck soon after, removing Iram Javed for 5, while Mitchel Mavunga claimed the crucial wicket of the dangerous Ayesha Zafar for just 4. At 46 for 3 in the 8th over, Zimbabwe's bowling unit completely dictated the tempo, successfully choking Pakistan's heavily favored top order through consistent lines, defensive fields, and deceptive variations.

However, opening batter Muneeba Ali anchored one end with a gritty, stabilizing 36 off 33 balls. Her resilience laid the foundation for Eyman Fatima, who walked out at number 5 and completely turned the tide of the match.

Fatima single-handedly dismantled the visitors' momentum with an array of fierce boundary-hitting. She launched a brutal counter-attack, smashing an unbeaten 79 runs off just 43 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and 4 towering sixes. Alongside Natalia Pervaiz, who chipped in with a brisk 24 off 19 balls, Fatima continuously targeted Zimbabwe's death bowling.

Though Marange (1/33), Mabhero (1/20), and Mavunga (1/38) bowled with exceptional control during the first half of the innings, they lacked depth execution as Pakistan plundered 52 runs off the final five overs.

Zimbabwe Women now face a daunting target of 171 runs at a required run rate of 8.55 per over to stay alive in the T20I series. Given Zimbabwe’s previous batting collapse, where they were bundled out for just 84 runs in the 1st T20I, Pakistan's disciplined bowling unit remained heavily favored to secure the series under the lights in Karachi.