Pakistan crush West Indies in Women’s World Cup qualifier

Pakistan recorded a convincing 65-run win over the West Indies in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier on Monday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The victory marked Pakistan’s third win in the tournament, with standout performances from Fatima Sana and Sidra Amin.

Batting first, Pakistan were bowled out for 191 runs in 49.5 overs. After losing opener Gull Feroza early for just 2 runs, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin steadied the innings. Muneeba scored 33 off 60 balls, while Sidra played a crucial knock of 54 runs off 94 balls, hitting four boundaries.

Sidra built important partnerships with Aliya Riaz and Omaima Sohail to help Pakistan recover from a shaky start. For the West Indies, Hayley Matthews, Afy Fletcher, and Karishma Ramharack picked up two wickets each, limiting Pakistan to a modest total.

In reply, the West Indies struggled from the beginning and were bowled out for just 126 runs in 39.2 overs. Their chase got off to a poor start, losing three wickets within the first 10 overs with just 29 runs on the board.

Fatima Sana removed West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, trapping her LBW, while Zaida James and Shemaine Campbelle were both run out. The West Indies batters couldn’t build any strong partnerships and continued to lose wickets regularly.

Aaliyah Alleyne was the top scorer for the West Indies with 22 runs off 52 balls, but no other batter managed to make a significant contribution. Pakistan’s bowlers remained disciplined and kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

Fatima Sana led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 3 for 16 in 7 overs. Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim chipped in with two wickets each.

This loss was the West Indies’ second in the tournament, putting their qualification hopes in danger with only two matches left to play.

The ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier is being held in Lahore at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground. The six participating teams — Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand — are competing in a round-robin format to decide the two teams that will qualify for the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India.