KARACHI: Pakistan’s hopes of bouncing back from the One-day International series whitewash at the hands of West Indies were dealt with another blow when the visitors registered a seven-wicket victory in the second Twenty20 here at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Following their 3-0 ODI series win over Pakistan, West Indies had edged the hosts by two runs in the first T20, and a win in the second match of the three-match series has brought the Hayley Matthews-led side a step closer to securing an unassailable lead.

In contrast to Pakistan’s mediocre show with the bat, the national side putting up a meagre 121-7 after winning the toss and opting to bat first, West Indies were clinical.

Boosted by skipper Matthews’ half-century, the Caribbean side chased down the target with 10 balls to spare.

Matthews hit 10 fours for her 58 off 43 balls before getting caught off spinner Sadia Iqbal’s bowling by Diana Baig. The West Indies skipper was involved in a second-wicket partnership of 47 runs with first-drop Shemaine Campbell, who added 21 off 29 before being castled by leg-break bowler Tuba Hassan.

But the partnership had taken the match away from Pakistan before it ended. Chedean Nation finished off the proceedings with a 19-ball 17 after coming in at number four.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan faced early setbacks with the dismissal of opener Sidra Ameen for 10 runs. However, Muneeba Ali showcased resilience at the crease, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 55 runs off 47 balls, punctuated with five crisp boundaries.

Alongside her, Gull Feroza contributed 14 crucial runs before being stumped by wicket-keeper Campbelle off Karishma Ramharack’s bowling.

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Pakistan’s middle order put up a determined fight. Nida Dar, leading the side, added 13 before being caught by Fraser off her counterpart Matthews’ bowling.

A disciplined bowling effort from the West Indies restricted the Pakistan batters from accelerating the scoring rate.

Matthews emerged as the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming three vital wickets with her spin bowling expertise. She was well supported by Afy Fletcher and Ramharack, who chipped in with a wicket each.

Scores in brief:PAKISTAN 121-7 in 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 55; Hayley Matthews 3-25); WEST INDIES 124-3 in 18.2 overs (Hayley Matthews 58; Sadia Iqbal 1-24).

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2024