Pakistan captain Fatima Sana created history in women’s cricket after scoring the fastest fifty in Women’s T20 International history during the third T20I against Zimbabwe in Karachi on Friday. The all-rounder reached her half-century in just 15 balls, surpassing the previous world record jointly held by several international cricketers.

Record Broken in Style

The 34-year-old Pakistan skipper broke the long-standing record of New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield and India’s Richa Ghosh, all of whom had scored T20I fifties in 18 balls. With this innings, Fatima Sana also registered the fastest half-century by a Pakistan batter in Women’s T20 Internationals. Earlier, Pakistan’s fastest fifty record belonged to Nida Dar, who had reached the milestone in 20 balls against South Africa in 2019.

Among Fastest Overall

Fatima Sana’s explosive innings is now also tied as the fastest fifty in overall women’s T20 cricket, including domestic competitions. Ireland’s Mary Kelly had scored a 15-ball fifty for Warwickshire in 2022, while Laura Harris achieved the same feat for Otago in 2025 in domestic cricket.

Came to Bat Late

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in the third T20 International match. Fatima Sana walked in to bat during the 17th over when Pakistan’s score stood at 152 for 4. She immediately attacked the Zimbabwe bowling lineup and shifted the momentum completely in Pakistan’s favour. The Pakistan captain started her innings with a boundary and continued her aggressive approach throughout the final overs.

Aggressive Strokeplay

Fatima targeted Zimbabwe bowler Kudzai Chigora early in her innings and struck four consecutive boundaries to put pressure on the opposition. Her most destructive over came against Nomvelo Sibanda during the 19th over of the innings. Fatima smashed 24 runs in the over with a sequence of boundaries and sixes. She scored 4, 4, 6, 6 and 4 in the over, leaving Zimbabwe bowlers struggling to contain the attack.

Fifty Reached in 15 Balls

Fatima Sana completed her record-breaking fifty in the final over by taking two runs off the second delivery. She remained unbeaten on 62 runs from just 19 balls at the end of the innings. Her remarkable knock included 10 boundaries and 2 sixes and came at an extraordinary strike rate. The innings has quickly become one of the most talked-about performances in women’s cricket this year.

Pakistan Posts Massive Total

Powered by Fatima Sana’s late assault and an unbeaten half-century from Saira Jabeen, Pakistan posted 223 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs. It became Pakistan’s second-highest total in Women’s T20 International cricket. Interestingly, Pakistan had already registered their highest-ever T20I total earlier in the same series when they scored 237 runs.

Zimbabwe Struggle in Chase

Chasing a massive target of 224 runs, Zimbabwe failed to build partnerships and were bowled out for just 90 runs. Pakistan bowlers dominated throughout the innings and never allowed the visitors to recover after early wickets. Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu shared five wickets between them, while captain Fatima Sana also contributed with the ball by taking one wicket.

Outstanding Form in 2026

Fatima Sana has emerged as Pakistan’s standout performer in Women’s T20 cricket this year. The Pakistan skipper has scored 229 runs in five T20I innings in 2026, making her the team’s highest run-scorer in the format this year. She currently holds an impressive strike rate of 206.30, the highest among women batters who have faced more than ten deliveries this year. Earlier in February, Fatima had also played a sensational innings of 90 runs from 41 balls against South Africa.

Major Boost for Pakistan Cricket

The latest achievement is being seen as a major boost for Pakistan women’s cricket ahead of upcoming international tournaments. Cricket analysts believe Fatima Sana’s fearless batting approach and all-round abilities are helping Pakistan become more competitive in international white-ball cricket.

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Anushka Sharma Named Captain of India-A Women's T20 Side for England Tour

Gwalior's rising cricket star to lead India-A in three T20 matches against England-A; has previously led Madhya Pradesh to senior ODI Trophy glory

A Big Leap for Gwalior's Own
Anushka Sharma, the all-rounder from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has been handed one of the most significant assignments of her young career. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named her captain of the India-A women's T20 side for the upcoming England tour, where she will lead the team in a three-match series against England-A.
The announcement, made recently, has been widely seen as a reward for consistent domestic performances and her growing reputation as a match-winner in multiple formats.

Series Schedule and Venues
The three T20 matches are scheduled across two English venues. The first two games will be held in Northampton on June 20 and June 23, while the third and final match moves to Chelmsford on June 25.
A separate ODI series, running from June 28 to July 4 at Hove and Taunton, will be led by Harleen Deol, with Pratika Rawal named as her deputy. Vrinda Dinesh has been appointed vice-captain for the T20 leg under Anushka.

"Will Give My Best," Says Anushka
Speaking about the opportunity, Anushka Sharma kept it simple and grounded. "Playing for the country is every cricketer's dream. Leading the team as captain is a matter of great pride for me. I will try my best to give everything for my team," she said.

Senior Debut Already Under Her Belt
Anushka made her senior India debut during the South Africa tour, where she featured in three matches and showed enough to convince selectors of her readiness for bigger responsibilities. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her a versatile asset in Indian women's cricket.
Earlier in the Women's Premier League 2026, she turned heads playing for Gujarat Giants — scoring 44 runs off just 30 balls in a high-pressure outing, underlining the aggressive batting that has become her signature.

Decorated Domestic Record
Before the India-A captaincy came calling, Anushka had already built an impressive resume at the domestic level. She has served as vice-captain of the Madhya Pradesh senior women's team and previously captained the India B side in the Under-19 Challenger Trophy. Under her leadership, Madhya Pradesh's U-19 team finished national runners-up.
Her most celebrated achievement remains the 2024-25 Senior Women's ODI Trophy, where she played a key role in MP's title-winning campaign. She walked away from the tournament with the Player of the Tournament award along with several other individual honours that season.
The Chandra Nayudu Award, given to recognise outstanding domestic women cricketers, is also among her recognitions.

Bundlekhand Bulls Back Her Too
Closer to home, Anushka was retained as captain of Bundlekhand Bulls for the second season of the Madhya Pradesh Women's League, to be held in Indore. In the first edition, she was vice-captain and played a crucial part in the team's title win. Her elevation to full captaincy for the second season reflects the confidence the franchise places in her leadership abilities.

What Comes Next
With the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled in England from June 12 — India opening their campaign against Pakistan on June 14 — the India-A tour serves as important preparation ground. Players performing well in these matches could catch the selectors' eye for future senior assignments.
For Anushka Sharma, the England tour is not just another series. It is the clearest signal yet that Indian women's cricket sees a future leader in her.