Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana Sets Record for Fastest Fifty in Women’s T20Is
New Delhi: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana made history by scoring the fastest fifty in Women’s T20 International cricket during the third T20I against Zimbabwe at the National Stadium in Karachi on May 15. Sana achieved this milestone in just 15 balls, leading her team to a comprehensive victory and securing a 3-0 series win.
Sana displayed remarkable batting prowess, finishing with an unbeaten 62 runs off 19 balls, boasting a strike rate of 326.32, including 10 fours and two sixes. Her groundbreaking fifty surpassed the previous record held by Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield, and Richa Ghosh, all of whom had scored their fifties in 18 balls.
In addition to her T20I achievement, Sana’s fifty also marks the joint fastest in Women’s T20 cricket, alongside Marie Kelly’s performance for Warwickshire and Laura Harris’s effort for Otago, both made in 15 balls.
Fastest Centurion in Pakistan Cricket History
Sana’s record-breaking fifty is the fastest ever scored by any Pakistan player—male or female. The previous record was held by Shoaib Malik, who hit an 18-ball half-century against Scotland during the 2021 T20 World Cup. Prior to this, the record for the women’s team was held by Nida Dar, who made a 20-ball fifty against South Africa in Benoni in 2019.
High Team Total
Thanks to Sana’s explosive innings and Saira Jabeen’s steady contribution of 50 runs from 30 balls, Pakistan posted a total of 223 for 4, their second-highest score in T20 format. Sana’s onslaught began with a four on the first ball she faced in the 17th over bowled by Michelle Mavunga. She went on to hit four fours in the next over and amassed 24 runs off Nomvelo Sibanda in the penultimate over.
Sana secured her fifty in the final over, hitting two fours on the last two balls, bringing Pakistan just 14 runs shy of their highest-ever T20I total of 237, achieved in the first match of the series.
Bowling Support Seals the Win
While Sana and Jabeen dominated with the bat, the bowlers played a crucial role in the victory. Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu spearheaded the bowling attack, taking five wickets. Rameen Shamim was particularly economical, conceding just 11 runs in her four overs while taking one wicket. Tuba Hassan also contributed, dismissing Michelle Mavunga, and Fatima Sana capped off her remarkable day by taking the wicket of Kudzai Chigora.
This victory not only highlights Sana’s historic achievement but also underscores the strength of the Pakistan women’s cricket team.
