KARACHI: Captain Fatima Sana produced a record-breaking assault as Pakistan completed a clean sweep of Zimbabwe with a crushing 133-run victory in the third and final Twenty20 International at the National Stadium on Friday.

Fatima’s blistering unbeaten 62 off just 19 balls not only powered Pakistan to a commanding 223-4 after opting to bat first but also went into the record books as the fastest fifty in women’s T20 internationals, underlining a night of complete dominance from the home side.

Pakistan had already laid a strong platform through the top order. Ayesha Zafar struck a fluent 45 off 28 balls, while Saira Jabeen remained unbeaten on 50 off 32 deliveries to ensure stability through the middle overs.

The innings, however, was transformed beyond recognition in the final phase as Fatima walked in and launched an extraordinary counterattack. She tore into the Zimbabwean bowling, striking 10 fours and two sixes, and finished with a strike rate of 326.31 in one of the most destructive cameos ever witnessed in women’s T20 cricket.

Iram Javed also contributed a quick 29 off 20 balls, as Pakistan accelerated to their highest total of the series, finishing well beyond Zimbabwe’s reach long before the innings closed.

Zimbabwe’s bowling unit struggled to contain the flow of runs, with no bowler able to maintain control on a flat Karachi surface. Lindokuhle Mabhero was the most successful with two wickets, but even she was taken apart in the death overs.

In response, Zimbabwe faltered almost immediately despite a brief spark from Kelis Ndhlovu, who struck a rapid 32 off 13 balls. Pakistan’s attack, however, quickly asserted control.

Sadia Iqbal led the charge with 3-20, removing key top-order batters early, while Rameen Shamim delivered a miserly 1-11 in her four overs to strangle the scoring rate.

Spin duo Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan added further pressure, sharing three wickets between them as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 90 in 17.1 overs.

Only Adel Zimunu offered brief resistance with 18, as the visitors’ innings collapsed in the face of disciplined and varied Pakistan bowling.

The comprehensive win sealed a 3-0 series whitewash for Pakistan , capping a dominant all-round display across all three matches.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2026