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Pakistan wrapped up their ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier campaign on a high, outclassing Bangladesh by seven wickets in their final group match at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground on Saturday.
Already through to the ICC Women’s World Cup in India later this year, Pakistan showed no signs of complacency as they produced another disciplined all-round performance to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament.
Asked to bowl first after Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana won the toss, Pakistan’s bowlers responded brilliantly.
Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the attack, finishing with impressive figures of 3/28 in her 10 overs, while skipper Fatima Sana and Diana Baig chipped in with two wickets each.
Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu bagged one apiece as Bangladesh limped to 178/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Only Ritu Moni (48 off 76) and Fahima Khatun (44* off 53) offered any resistance with the bat, but the lack of partnerships at the top proved costly in what was a must-win game for Bangladesh.
In reply, Pakistan made light work of the chase to remain unbeaten in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier.
Muneeba Ali anchored the innings with a classy 69 off 93 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries, while Aliya Riaz guided the side home with an unbeaten 52 off 65, hitting six fours and a six.
Sidra Amin also contributed a steady 33 at the top to ensure the hosts were always ahead of the game. Pakistan reached the target with 62 balls to spare, losing just three wickets in the process.
For Bangladesh, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, and Marufa Akter claimed a wicket each, but there was little joy for their camp as they now face an anxious wait.
With just one spot remaining, Bangladesh’s hopes of qualification for the ICC Women’s World Cup now hinge on the result of the final match between West Indies and Thailand.
If the West Indies manage a big win, they could leapfrog Bangladesh into the second spot and book their ticket to the World Cup alongside Pakistan.
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