KARACHI: Opener Sadaf Shamas missed her maiden ODI century by two runs as Pakistan Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by 168 runs in the first ODI of the three-match ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 series on Monday.

Sadaf was dismissed in the 34th over at the score of 195 after scoring a 130-ball 98 with 17 fours. However, her innings, which was complemented with half-centuries by Sidra Amin, Najiha Alvi and Gull Feroza, helped Pakistan Women post 330 for five in 50 overs – their third highest ODI score.

In reply, Zimbabwe Women were dismissed for 162 in 36.4 overs with Tasmia Rubab, Fatima Sana and Syeda Aroob Shah sharing two wickets apiece. For the visitors, opener Beloved Biza was the top-scorer with a run-a-ball 53 with eight fours.

Sadaf Shamas featured in a 162-run first-wicket partnership with Gull Feroza that set the platform for Pakistan’s total. The stand broke after Gull Feroza was dismissed immediately after scoring her maiden half-century from 60 balls.

Then for the fifth wicket, Sidra Amin and Najiha Alvi added 96 runs. The partnership ended at the score of 315 in the 49th over after Sidra departed having scored a 59-ball 67 with nine fours. Najiha returned unbeaten on 56 from 30 balls with eight fours and a six.

For Zimbabwe, Precious Marange was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-39 from 10 overs.

The remaining two matches of the series will be played on 6 and 9 May in Karachi.

Scores in brief:

1st ODI – Pakistan Women beat Zimbabwe Women by 168 runs, Karachi

PAKISTAN WOMEN 330-5, 50 overs (Sadaf Shamas 98, Sidra Amin 67, Najiha Alvi 56 not out, Gull Feroza 50; Precious Marange 3-39)

ZIMBABWE WOMEN 162 all-out, 36.4 overs (Beloved Biza 53, Kelis Ndhlovu 31; Tasmia Rubab 2-21, Fatima Sana 2-28, Syeda Aroob Shah 2-38)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Sadaf Shamas (Pakistan)