Ayesha Zafar smashes record-breaking century in Pakistan’s win over Zimbabwe

KARACHI: Ayesha Zafar scored a record-breaking unbeaten century for Pakistan against Zimbabwe in the opening Women’s T20I at National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.

Batting at number three after Pakistan lost an early wicket at 23/1 in 1.5 overs, Ayesha launched a dominant assault on the Zimbabwean bowling attack and completed her maiden century on the final ball of the innings.

She reached the landmark by hitting Nomvelo Sibanda for a boundary through the mid-wicket region.

The top-order batter remained unbeaten on 102 off just 47 deliveries, smashing 15 fours and two sixes during her explosive knock.

Her innings powered Pakistan to 237/5, the team’s highest-ever total in Women’s T20 Internationals, surpassing the previous best of 181/4 recorded against South Africa in 2024.

With the century, Ayesha became only the second Pakistani batter to score a hundred in Women’s T20Is, joining teammate Muneeba Ali, who has achieved the feat twice.

Ayesha’s unbeaten 102 also equalled the highest individual score by a Pakistani batter in the format, matching Muneeba’s record.

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Players to score centuries for Pakistan in Women’s T20Is:

• Muneeba Ali – 102 against Ireland in 2023
• Muneeba Ali – 100 not out against Ireland in 2025
• Ayesha Zafar – 102 not out against Zimbabwe in 2026

Ayesha’s hundred, scored in just 47 balls, also became the fastest century by a Pakistani batter in Women’s T20I history.

She broke the previous record held by Muneeba, who had taken 66 deliveries to score her maiden century during the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023.

Fastest centuries for Pakistan in Women’s T20Is:

• Ayesha Zafar – 47 balls against Zimbabwe in 2026
• Muneeba Ali – 66 balls against Ireland in 2023
• Muneeba Ali – 68 balls against Ireland in 2025