Pakistan down West Indies to seal third win in ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier

LAHORE: Fatima Sana’s three-wicket haul and a half-century from Sidra Amin led Pakistan to a comfortable 65-run victory against the West Indies in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier on Monday.

Defending a modest total of 192, the Green Shirts bowled out the West Indies for 126 in 39.2 overs, thanks to an all-round bowling performance. The victory marked the Pakistan team’s third win in the qualifying tournament.

West Indies got off to a poor start in pursuit of the target, losing their top three inside powerplay on the score of 29.

Hayley Matthews was trapped in front by Fatima Sana, while Zaida James and Shemaine Campbelle were runout, adding to the woes of the West Indies batters.

Following the early hiccups, the West Indies team never looked in the chase as Pakistani bowlers struck at regular intervals.

 

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Aaliyah Alleyne remained the top scorer for the West Indies, scoring 22 runs off 52 balls, with only two boundaries in an otherwise disappointing batting performance.

The defeat also marked the West Indies’ second loss in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier, hanging their qualification in jeopardy with only two matches to play.

For Pakistan, Fatima Sana was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 16 in seven overs. Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim were equally good with two wickets.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, the Pakistan team was bundled out for 191 in 49.5 overs.

They lost their opener Gull Feroza for just 2 runs in the third over. However, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin steadied the innings, continuing their good form, steadying the Pakistan innings. Muneeba was eventually dismissed for 33 off 60 balls.

Meanwhile, Sidra Amin continued her good run in the tournament and went on to score fifty. She was eventually dismissed on 54 off 94 balls, striking four fours.

She partnered with Aliya Riaz and Omaima Sohail, forging crucial partnerships to lift the team out of trouble.

For the West Indies, Hayley Matthews, Afy Fletcher, and Karishma Ramharack bagged two wickets each.

The six-team ICC event, which includes Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and West Indies alongside hosts Pakistan, features a single-league round-robin format with the matches taking place at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground in Lahore.

The tournament will decide the two qualifiers for the 2025 Women’s World Cup to be held later this year in India.

PLAYING XIs:

Pakistan: Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper), Fatima Sana (captain), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu.

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (captain), Zaida James, Shemaine Campbelle (wicket-keeper), Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar and Karishma Ramharack.

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