JOHOR: Pakistan finished their run at the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup with a 52-run win over Samoa in the fourth-place playoff here at the Johor Cricket Academy Oval on Friday.

Player of the match Haniah Ahmer returned figures of 4-17 in her four overs to help Pakistan defend 137 as Samoa folded for 84 in 18.5 overs.

Earlier, Samoa won the toss and opted to bowl first following which Pakistan’s charge with the bat was led by opening batter Maham Anees (28 off 42, three fours), number six batter Fatima Khan and two-down Manahil (17).

Pakistan were 66-3 at the halfway stage and then 79-4, when Fatima walked in to bat and hit three fours and one six in her 14-ball stay at the crease. Qurat­ulain contributed with an 11-ball 13 with the help of two fours as Pakistan posted 136-8 in 20 overs.

For Samoa, Nora Jade Salima picked up 3-20 in her four overs.

In turn, Pakistan struck on regular occasions led by Haniah, who also took the new ball, and soon reduced Samoa to 49-5. The last five wickets could only add 35 runs before Samoa were bowled out for 84 in 18.5 overs. Haniah was backed up by leg-spinner Qurat­ulain (2-13) and pacer Fatima (2-19).

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2025