Pakistan captain Fatima Sana breaks T20I record in series-clinching victory
The 24-year-old all-rounder scored 50 runs from 15 balls to shatter the previous world record, leading Pakistan to a decisive 133-run win at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Pakistan’s women’s cricket team has reinforced its standing in international competition following a comprehensive victory over Zimbabwe, with captain Fatima Sana delivering a performance that redefined the benchmarks for the sport. Playing at the National Stadium in Karachi, Sana broke the world record for the fastest half-century in women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, reaching the milestone off just 15 balls.
The innings, which saw Sana top-score with 62 runs from 19 deliveries at a strike rate of 326, included 10 fours and two sixes. Her aggressive approach dismantled the Zimbabwean bowling attack early in the innings, setting the tone for a dominant display that resulted in Pakistan posting 223-4 in their allotted 20 overs. The victory secured a 3-0 series win for Pakistan, with Zimbabwe subsequently bowled out for 90 runs in 17.1 overs.
Sana’s achievement surpasses the previous joint record of 18 balls, which was held by Sophie Devine of New Zealand, Phoebe Litchfield of Australia, and India’s Richa Ghosh. Named player of the match, Sana also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket during the contest. Her performance highlights a significant evolution in her role as captain, with observers noting marked improvement in her batting output since assuming the leadership position.
The Karachi-born player, aged 24, has established herself as a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s limited-overs setup. In her last 10 limited-overs games, she has recorded 18 wickets and scored 283 runs, demonstrating a consistent all-round capability. This form follows earlier contributions against high-calibre opposition, including two one-day international half-centuries against South Africa, who are currently finalists in the World Cup.
The win at the National Stadium serves as a testament to the team’s structural depth and Sana’s tactical acumen. By combining explosive batting with economical bowling, she has solidified her status as Pakistan’s standout player over recent years, providing a stable foundation for the team’s ongoing international campaigns.
