KARACHI: Eyman Fatima brought some clarity and stability in her career when she stroked a maiden unbeaten half-century as Pakistan Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by 67 runs in the second T20I to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series at the National Bank Stadium.

Eyman made her T20I debut against Ireland last year in August, but following scores of 23 and 4, she was only included in the second T20I against South Africa in February in which she scored a second-ball duck. The 21-year-old was not named in Tuesday’s T20I against Zimbabwe but made the most of Thursday’s opportunity with a 79 not out that steered Pakistan to 170 for four after the home side had elected to bat first.

Zimbabwe, in their turn at the wicket, were restricted to 103 for eight in 20 overs. Zimbabwe had managed 84 in the first T20I after being set a 238-run target by Pakistan. Overall, this was Zimbabwe’s 15th straight defeat against a Test playing nation after 10 losses against Ireland and three against New Zealand. Their other 76 T20Is since their debut match in 2019 have been against non-Test playing nations.

Eyman’s demonstrated her ability and talent with the bat when it mattered most. Her side was in some bother at 46 for three in the eighth over, before she put on 46 runs in 34 balls for the fourth wicket with Muneeba Ali (36). For the unfinished fifth wicket, Eyman added 78 runs with Natalia Pervaiz, who contributed 24 not out.

Eyman’s 43-ball 79 not out included 10 fours and four sixes. She completed her half-century from 32 balls with six fours and three sixes. It was Eyman-Natalia partnership that enabled Pakistan to collect 58 runs in the last five overs after the home side had reached 112 for four after 15 overs.

Zimbabwe were never on track to get anywhere close to the Pakistan score after slipping to 41 for three in the PowerPlay and then reaching 58 for six at the halfway point. They eventually finished at 103 for eight with captain Nomvelo Sibanda top-scoring with 18 not out. Kudzai Chigora scored 14 not out.

For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu took two for 18, while Fatima Sana, Sadia Iqbal, Tuba Hassan, Ayesha Zafar and Natalia Pervaiz bagged one wicket each.

The third T20I will be played on Friday.

Second in brief:

2nd T20I – Pakistan Women beat Zimbabwe Women by 67 runs

PAKISTAN WOMEN 170-4, overs (Eyman Fatima 79 not out, Muneeba Ali 36, Natalia Pervaiz 24 not out)

ZIMBABWE WOMEN 103-8, 20 overs (Nomvelo Sibanda 18 not out, Kudzai Chigora 14 not out, Lindokuhle Mabhero 12, Adel Zimunu 12, Beloved Biza 11, Natasha Mtomba 10; Nashra Sandhu 2-18)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Eyman Fatima (Pakistan)

1ST T20I – Pakistan Women beat Zimbabwe Women by 153 runs