KARACHI: Ayesha Zafar joined Tammy Beamont of England and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt as the joint-third fastest century-maker in women’s T20 Internationals as Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 153 runs in the first match at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.

Ayesha remained unconquered on 102 and achieved the feat in 47 balls with the help of 15 fours and two sixes. Her efforts lifted Pakistan to 237 for five – their highest T20I score, beating the previous best of 181 for four against South Africa in Multan in 2024. In turn, Zimbabwe slipped to 16 for five inside five overs before being bowled out for 84 in 18.2 overs.

After Pakistan had elected to bat first, Ayesha came out to bat following Muneeba Ali’s departure in 1.5 overs. When the last over of Pakistan’s innings commenced, Ayesha was on 90. However, she scored 12 runs in the final three deliveries of the innings to also become only the second Pakistan batter after Muneeba to score a T20I century. Muneeba has done this twice.

Deandra Dottin of the West Indies holds the record for the fastest century (38 balls, against South Africa in 2009), while Alyssa Healy scored the second fastest century off 46 balls (against Sri Lanka in 2019).

Pakistan had made a mixed start when they reached 69 for three in the PowerPlay. However, the next 14 overs produced a whopping 168 runs, including 72 runs in the last five overs.

Besides Ayesha, whose first 50 came off 29 balls with eight fours, Aliya Riaz, Gull Feroza and Fatima Sana also had a decent day with the bat. Aliya scored a 23-ball 48 with four fours and four sixes, Gull Feroza scored a 19-ball 38 with eight fours and Fatima’s 13-ball 21 not out included three fours.

Ayesha and Fatima were involved in the biggest partnership of the innings – 70 off 27 balls for the unfinished sixth wicket. This came after Ayesha and Aliya had put on 67 runs for the fifth wicket from 35 balls.

In turn, Fatima Sana followed her 21 not out with three for seven, while Natalia Pervaiz and Sadiq Iqbal claimed two wickets each as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 84 in 18.2 overs, handing Pakistan their biggest victory. Only Natasha Mtomba (24) and Adel Zimuna (18) reached double figures.

The remaining two T20Is will be played on Thursday and Friday.

Scores in brief:

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

PAKISTAN WOMEN 237-5, overs (Ayesha Zafar 102 not out, Aliya Riaz 48, Gull Feroza 38, Fatima Sana 21 not out; Nomvelo Sibanda 2-59)

ZIMBABWE WOMEN 84 all-out, 18.2 overs (Natasha Mtomba 24, Adel Zimuna 18; Fatima Sana 3-7, Natalia Pervaiz 2-3, Sadia Iqbal 2-14)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Ayesha Zafar (Pakistan