Eyman Fatima’s maiden fifty powers Pakistan to T20I Series success
By Nawaz Gohar ; The National Bank Stadium bore witness to the arrival of a new batting sensation as 21-year-old Eyman Fatima bludgeoned a career-defining maiden half-century, propelling Pakistan Women to an unassailable 2-0 series lead against Zimbabwe.
In a clinical display of power and poise under the lights on Thursday night, the hosts secured a 67-run victory, marking their fifth consecutive white-ball win of the tour.
While the series win was the collective objective, the night undoubtedly belonged to Eyman. Walking into a precarious situation at 46-3—after a rare collective failure of the top order, including first-match centurion Ayesha Zafar—Eyman transformed a tentative start into a masterclass of T20 acceleration.
Initially scoring just two runs from her first nine deliveries, the youngster shifted gears with surgical precision. She unleashed a flurry of strokes, finishing unbeaten on a breathtaking 79 off 43 balls, decorated with ten boundaries and four towering maximums. Her late-innings onslaught alongside Natalia Parvaiz (24*) saw Pakistan plunder 78 runs in the final 40 balls, setting a formidable target of 171.
Zimbabwe’s response never found its rhythm against a disciplined and multifaceted Pakistan bowling attack. The visitors were strangled by the spin quartet of Nashra Sundhu, Tuba Hassan, and Sadia Iqbal. Nashra, returning to the side with clinical intent, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2-18, ensuring Zimbabwe remained tethered to a defensive shell.
Skipper Sibanada offered some resistance with an unbeaten 18, but it was far too little against a Pakistan side brimming with confidence. The visitors eventually sputtered to 103-8 as the overs ran out, unable to contend with the variety and accuracy of Fatima Sana’s bowling arsenal.
This victory further cements the tactical evolution of the Pakistan Women’s side under their new leadership. Having already swept the ODI series 3-0, the Green Shirts now stand on the precipice of another clean sweep. With the third and final T20I scheduled for Friday evening, the momentum is firmly with the hosts as they look to conclude the tour with a perfect record.
