Fatima Sana created history after smashing the fastest half-century in Women’s T20 International cricket during Pakistan’s third T20I against Zimbabwe in Karachi. The Pakistan captain reached the landmark in just 15 deliveries, breaking a long-standing international record in sensational fashion.
The previous record for the fastest fifty in Women’s T20Is was jointly held by Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield, and Richa Ghosh, all of whom had reached their fifties in 18 balls.
Sana’s breathtaking innings also equalled the fastest fifty ever recorded in women’s T20 cricket overall, matching achievements previously registered by Marie Kelly and Laura Harris in domestic competitions.
Fatima Sana dismantles Zimbabwe attack in Karachi
Pakistan opted to bat first in the final T20I of the series before Sana walked in during the 17th over with the scoreboard reading 152/4. What followed was a brutal assault on Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
The all-rounder started aggressively with a boundary off her very first delivery before completely taking charge in the death overs. She hammered four consecutive boundaries against Kudzai Chigora and then exploded further in the 19th over by smashing Nomvelo Sibanda for multiple boundaries and sixes.
Fatima Sana eventually reached the historic fifty with a couple off the second ball of the final over before finishing unbeaten on a stunning 62 off just 19 deliveries. Her innings included 10 fours and two sixes.
At the other end, Saira Jabeen also completed a half-century as Pakistan posted 223/4, their second-highest total in Women’s T20Is.
Fatima continues remarkable 2026 form
The Pakistan skipper has enjoyed an exceptional run in T20I cricket throughout 2026. Sana is currently Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the format this year with 229 runs from five innings while maintaining a remarkable strike rate above 200.
Earlier this year, she had also registered her highest T20I score of 90 off 41 deliveries against South Africa.
Before Fatima Sana’s record-breaking knock, the fastest T20I fifty by a Pakistan women’s cricketer belonged to Nida Dar, who had achieved the feat in 20 balls back in 2019.
Sana’s latest innings now stands among the most explosive knocks ever witnessed in women’s international cricket.