Pakistan captain Fatima Sana set a new benchmark in Women’s T20 International cricket on Friday, producing the quickest half-century in the format during Pakistan’s clash with Zimbabwe at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Coming in to bat with momentum already in the air, Sana accelerated through the final over of Pakistan’s innings to get to her fifty off just 15 deliveries, rewriting the fastest 50s mark in Women’s T20Is.
The 15-ball milestone eclipsed the previous record jointly held by Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield and Richa Ghosh, each of whom had earlier reached a fifty in 18 balls. Beyond the Women’s T20Is record, Sana also made history as the fastest Pakistani batter—across both men’s and women’s T20I cricket—to notch a half-century.
Sana stayed unbeaten on 62 from 19 balls, striking at 326.31. Her innings featured 10 fours and two sixes, with one standout burst coming during a 24-run over against Nomvelo Sibanda. In that over, she struck three boundaries and cleared the ropes twice, swinging the contest firmly in Pakistan’s favour.
Fastest Women’s T20I fifties and key stats
- Pakistan — Fatima Sana: 15 balls vs Zimbabwe
- New Zealand — Sophie Devine: 18 balls vs India
- Australia — Phoebe Litchfield: 18 balls vs West Indies
- India — Richa Ghosh: 18 balls vs West Indies
Sana’s rapid-fire knock played a major role in Pakistan posting 223 runs in their 20 overs. She was well supported by Saira Jabeen, who also finished not out, contributing a half-century of her own—50 off 32 balls—while finding the boundary eight times.
For Zimbabwe, Lindokuhle Mabhero was the most successful with the ball, taking two wickets while conceding 36 runs.
Fastest Pakistan fifties in T20 Internationals
- Fatima Sana: 15 balls vs Zimbabwe (2026)
- Shoaib Malik: 18 balls vs Scotland (2021)
- Shadab Khan: 20 balls vs South Africa (2022)
- Iftikhar Ahmed: 20 balls vs New Zealand (2023)
