Pak Women vs Zim Women 1st ODI Live: Shams, Feroza Dominate in PowerPlay

KARACHI: An authoritative opening stand between Sadaf Shams and Gull Feroza propelled Pakistan Women to a commanding 178/1 after 30 overs in the first ODI against Zimbabwe at the National Stadium.

Opting to field first, Zimbabwe’s bowling attack struggled to find rhythm on a flat Karachi surface. Pakistani openers Shams and Feroza exploited the conditions, putting on a clinical 162-run partnership. Sadaf Shams emerged as the aggressor, reaching the 30-over mark unbeaten on 93 from 118 deliveries. 

Her innings has been punctuated by 16 boundaries, characterized by precise driving through the covers and effective use of the sweep against Zimbabwe’s spin tandem of Precious Marange and Beloved Biza.

Gull Feroza provided sturdy support, compiling a disciplined 50 off 60 balls. Her half-century, featuring five boundaries, anchored the first two sessions of the afternoon before she was eventually dismissed by Kudzai Chigora. Chigora provided the lone breakthrough for the visitors in the 29th over.

Zimbabwe’s fielding remained under pressure throughout the first 30 overs, with several overthrows and a missed half-chance at point allowing the hosts to maintain a scoring rate of nearly six runs per over. Following Feroza's departure, Sidra Ameen joined Shams in the middle, rotating the strike effectively to ensure Pakistan’s momentum remained unhindered.

At the 30-over mark, Pakistan sits at 178/1, well-positioned to set a target in excess of 300. Zimbabwe faces a steep challenge in the remaining 20 overs to contain a rampant Pakistani top order in this opening fixture of the ICC Women’s Championship series.

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