Qualifier recap: Pakistan punch their ticket to the women’s world cup

LAHORE: After defeating Thailand in their fourth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier on Thursday, Pakistan secured their place in the World Cup. Here’s a recap of all their matches to shine a light on the incredible performances that made their success possible.

Vs Ireland

Pakistan played the first match of the qualifier against Ireland, defeating them by 38 runs. Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali’s second wicket stand added 77 runs off 117 balls to give Pakistan a great start despite losing Gull Feroza in just the second over. Even after Muneeba was caught out in the 21st, Pakistan kept pushing forward as Aliya Riaz took to the field, and together with Sidra added another 72 runs to the women in green’s total. Sidra and Aliya both made half centuries, and Muneeba had 32.

After setting a total of 217, Pakistan’s bowlers got to work, led by Diana Baig who took four wickets. Baig got the first breakthrough for Pakistan, dismissing Sana Forbes via lbw in the ninth over. She then had a fantastic spell later in the game in which she dismissed Christina Coulter Reilly, Louise Little, and Arlene Kelly. Nashra Sandhu had three wickets herself and Sadia Iqbal had two.

Pakistan took Ireland’s final wicket in the 44th over to win the first match.

Vs Scotland

Pakistan held Scotland to 186 runs in a shortened, 32 over match. This time it was Fatima Sana dismantling the opposition with the ball, as she took four wickets between the 24th and 32nd over. After dismissing Megan McColl, Katherine Fraser, and Priyanaz Chatterji, Fatima bowled Scotland skipper Kathryn Bryce, who was spearheading the batting attack as she made 91 runs off 96. Sadia Iqbal had another two wickets in this game, while Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig had one each.

Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz once again put on a stellar partnership, adding 93 runs off 99 deliveries. Muneeba made a team high 71 runs before she was caught out in 24th over. Aliya had an unbeaten 68 off 70, and ended the match in the 31st over after she hit a four on a no ball delivery. Pakistan won by six wickets.

Also read: West Indies beat Bangladesh in women’s world cup qualifier

Vs West Indies

The West Indies held Pakistan to only 191 runs, as skipper Hayley Matthews, Karishma Ramharack, and Afy Fletcher each took two wickets, while both Ashmini Munisar and Aaliyah Alleyne had one. Sidra Amin had the biggest contribution, putting up her second half century of the qualifier as she made 54 runs off 94. The second highest contribution came from Muneeba Ali, who added 33 off 60.

Despite the low total, Pakistan regained control of the match early into the West Indies’ innings. Fatima Sana dismissed Hayley on the very first ball of the very first over. Not long after, Shemaine Campbelle was run out in the sixth, putting the West Indies in dire straits. The collapse continued in the ninth, as more poor running resulting in Zaida James leaving the pitch. Then, in the 12th over, Nashra Sandhu struck twice, first bowling Jannilklea Glasgow, then dismissing Chinelle Henry who was caught out.

Sadia Iqbal took one wicket herself, while Fatima took two more for a total of three. Rameen Shamim took two herself, including the final dismissal in the 40th over. Pakistan won by 65 runs.

Vs Thailand

Pakistan secured their place in the upcoming world cup after beating Thailand on Thursday. Sidra Amin had an incredible game with the bat, putting up 80 runs before she was caught out in the 48th over. However, the star of the match was Fatima Sana, who had a fantastic all-round performance. She made an unbeaten 62 off 59 with the bat, then took three wickets with the ball.

Pakistan put up 205 runs in 50 overs, but were able to hold Thailand down to just 118. Apart from Fatima, Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu both had big games as well, taking three wickets each. Sadia Iqbal also had one.

The women in green won by 87 runs and qualified for the world cup taking place later this year. Pakistan are the only team who have won all the games they have played. Bangladesh will challenge their perfect record tomorrow, April 19.

Also read: Pomona to host cricket at LA28 but US team’s participation in doubt