Sadaf Shamas Leads Pakistan Women to Dominant Start in First ODI Against Zimbabwe

Key facts

• Pakistan Women 124/0 after 20.4 overs in the first ODI against Zimbabwe Women at National Stadium, Karachi.
• Sadaf Shamas scored 74 runs off 84 balls, including a boundary through point in the 20.2 over off Adel Zimunu.
• Gull Feroza contributed 29 runs off 39 balls, with a flick off the back foot for a single in the 20.1 over.
• Zimbabwe Women won the toss and chose to field first.
• The match is part of the ZIM-W in PAK 3 ODIs 2026 series.
• Umpires for the match are Nimali Perera (SL) and Zulfiqar Jan (PAK), with Tariq Rasheed (PAK) as third umpire and Kamran Chaudary (PAK) as match referee.

Pakistan Women Dominate After Zimbabwe Opt to Bowl

Pakistan Women raced to 124 without loss after 20.4 overs in the first One-Day International against Zimbabwe Women at the National Stadium in Karachi. The hosts' openers, Sadaf Shamas and Gull Feroza, punished Zimbabwe's decision to field first, building a solid platform in the series opener of the three-match ODI series. Zimbabwe captain chose to bowl after winning the toss, hoping to exploit early conditions. However, the Pakistan pair negotiated the new ball with ease, rotating strike and finding boundaries at regular intervals.

Sadaf Shamas Anchors Innings with 74 Not Out

Sadaf Shamas, the right-handed batter, played a commanding knock, remaining unbeaten on 74 off 84 deliveries. She struck a boundary in the 20.2 over, driving through point off Adel Zimunu, and followed it with a wide delivery down leg side in the same over. Her innings included a mix of cautious defence and aggressive strokeplay, as she accumulated runs without taking undue risks. Shamas's ability to rotate strike kept the scoreboard moving, putting pressure on the Zimbabwe bowlers.

Gull Feroza Provides Solid Support with 29

Gull Feroza played a supporting role, scoring 29 runs from 39 balls. She flicked a single off the back foot in the 20.1 over, maintaining the momentum alongside Shamas. Feroza's innings was characterized by steady accumulation, ensuring the partnership remained unbroken. The opening stand of 124 runs has given Pakistan a strong foundation, with the team well placed to post a formidable total. Zimbabwe's bowlers have struggled to make an impact, with no breakthroughs in the first 20.4 overs.

Match Officials and Venue Details

The match is being officiated by umpires Nimali Perera from Sri Lanka and Zulfiqar Jan from Pakistan, with Tariq Rasheed serving as the third umpire. Kamran Chaudary is the match referee. The venue, National Stadium in Karachi, is hosting the first of three ODIs in the Zimbabwe Women's tour of Pakistan 2026. The series is part of the ongoing bilateral engagements between the two teams, with Pakistan looking to assert dominance at home.

What Lies Ahead for the Series

With Pakistan in a commanding position, Zimbabwe will need early wickets in the remaining overs to restrict the hosts. The pitch at National Stadium has offered little assistance to bowlers, and the outfield appears fast, aiding strokeplay. The second and third ODIs are scheduled to follow in quick succession, and this match sets the tone for the series. Pakistan will aim to capitalize on this strong start, while Zimbabwe must regroup to stay competitive.

The bottom line

• Pakistan Women are 124/0 after 20.4 overs, with Sadaf Shamas (74) and Gull Feroza (29) unbeaten.
• Zimbabwe Women won the toss and elected to field, a decision that has not paid off so far.
• The first ODI is being played at National Stadium, Karachi, as part of the three-match series in 2026.
• Sadaf Shamas's innings included a boundary through point off Adel Zimunu in the 20.2 over.
• The match officials include umpires Nimali Perera and Zulfiqar Jan, with Kamran Chaudary as match referee.
• Pakistan's strong start puts them in a dominant position in the series opener.