LAHORE: Pakistan’s women’s cricket team took a major step towards securing the ICC Women’s World Cup main round berth after a commanding 65-run victory over the West Indies here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

The win, fuelled by a clinical bowling display and Sidra Amin’s second consecutive half-century, marked Pakistan’s third straight triumph in the qualifiers, having earlier defeated Ireland and Scotland.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan — who are undefeated in the tournament — posted a competitive 191 all out in 49.5 overs, anchored by opener Sidra’s gritty 54 off 94 balls.

The in-form batter’s innings featured four boundaries, rescuing the innings after early setbacks.

Muneeba Ali (33) provided initial support with a 47-run second-wicket stand, while Aliya Riaz (20) and Sidra Nawaz (23) contributed crucial cameos.

West Indies’ spinners shared the spoils, with captain Hayley Matthews (2-30), Afy Fletcher (2-39) and Karishma Ramharack (2-55) leading the attack.

Pakistan’s bowlers then dismantled the Windies’ chase, skittling them for 126 in 39.2 overs.

Captain Fatima Sana set the tone by trapping West Indian stalwart Matthews lbw for a golden duck in the first over.

Matthews, though, looked unhappy with the decisions but with no decision review system (DRS) available in the qualifiers, she could only walk off from the field.

Fatima finished with figures of 3-16 and became the second leading wicket-taker in the qualifiers of this edition. She is only behind Matthews, who had taken 10 wickets.

Spinners Nashra Sandhu (2-31) and Rameen Shamim (2-26) compounded the collapse, while sharp fielding resulted in two run-outs.

Stafanie Taylor (17) and Afy Fletcher (22) offered fleeting resistance, but the visitors never recovered from 54-5.

The defeat leaves West Indies — who lost their opening fixture against Scotland — teetering on the edge of elimination from the global showpiece as they lost two of their three fixtures.

West Indies — who played the semi-final in the 2022 World Cup — will now face Bangladesh on Thursday and play their last match against winless Thailand on Saturday.

West Indies have to win both of their fixtures and hope that other results results go their way to clinch a spot in the main draw.

Pakistan’s next two matches are also against Thailand and undefeated Bangladesh on Thurs­day and Saturday, respectively.

On Tuesday, one side will snap their winless run as Ireland take on Thailand while Bangladesh and Scotland lock horns in the other crucial fixture.

Brief scores:

PAKISTAN 191 in 49.5 overs (Sidra Amin 54, Muneeba Ali 33; H. Matthews 2-30, A. Fletcher 2-39) v WEST INDIES 126 in 39.2 overs (A. Alleyne 22, S. Gajnabi 21; Fatima Sana 3-16, Rameen Shamim 2-26, Nashra Sandhu 2-31).

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2025