LAHORE: An impressive all-round performance by captain Fatima Sana and Sidra Amin’s vital half-century steered Pakistan to a resounding 87-run victory over Thailand in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier here at the Gaddafi Stadium under lights on Thursday.

The victory also helped Pakistan, who have remained unbeaten in the Qualifier with four wins so far, confirm their place in this year’s World Cup to be held in India during September-October.

Leading from the front, Fatima scored 62 not out as she formed a vital 97-run partnership with Sidra (80) for the fifth wicket to help Pakistan reach 205-6 off the stipulated overs.

Fatima as medium-pacer excelled with the leather too claiming three wickets for 39 in eight overs as Thai­land were bundled out for a paltry 118 in 34.4 overs. The skipper earned the player-of-the-match award.

Off-spinner Rameen Shamim took three wickets for 18 from 7.4 overs, left-arm orthodox spinner Nashra Sandhu also claimed three for 19 in eight overs while Sadia Iqbal earned one for 11 in four overs.

Earlier, Pakistan lost opener Shawaal Zulifqar (six) who was included in the team in place of out-of-form Gull Feroza, at the total of 23 in the ninth over.

The dismissals of in-form batters Muneeba Ali (18) and Aliya Riaz (seven), who was run out, put the hosts in deep trouble as the scoreboard read 47-3 in the 20th over.

The run-out of wicket-keeper/batter Sidra Nawaz (11) restricted Paki­stan further to 85-4 in the 32nd over.

At this crucial point, veteran Sidra rose to the occasion as she added an invaluable 97 runs off 15.5 overs alongside Fatima to steer Pakistan to 182. Both the batters slowly and gradually developed the innings as Pakistan reached 100 in the 36th over before touching the 150-mark in 43.3 overs. Right-handed Sidra reached her half-century off 78 balls.

She was caught by Chanida Sutthiruang off slow left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong in the 48th over. The batter struck nine fours during her 105-ball knock.

Fatima, who completed her fifty off 53 balls, struck six fours and a six during her unbeaten 62.

Putthawong in the same over dismissed Natalia Pervaiz (nought) to leave Pakistan at 182-6.

Fatima and unbeaten Diana Beg (10 not out) made sure Pakistan cross 200-run mark.

For Thailand, Putthawong took two wickets for 37 while Phannita Maya and Onnicha Kamchomphu claimed one wicket each.

Meanwhile, Fatima after winning the match was excited about her team’s qualification for the World Cup.

Talking to media after the match, Fatima said that as hosts the nation was expecting a good performance from Pakistan.

“Thank God our team produced an outstanding performance and so far we have remained undefeated in this qualifier round and qualified for World Cup,” the skipper said.

She said though Pakistan could not set a big total against Thailand, the team had full belief in their bowlers who came up to the expectations.

Fatima said that the team’s bowlers had learnt the art of reverse swing from fast bowling coach Junaid Khan.

“I took three wickets with the help of reverse swing and it is a good sign for our bowling line-up,” she said and expressed her desire for Pakistan to play some more international games before competing in the World Cup.

WEST INDIES STUN BD TO JOIN THE RACE

Earlier on Thursday, a fighting half-century from Chinelle Henry and superb bowling by pacer Aaliyah Alleyne propelled West Indies to a stunning three-wicket victory over Bangladesh as the Caribbean side joined the race for the top two positions in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier at the LCCA ground.

West Indies chased 228 for the loss of seven wickets with four overs to spare to register their second win of the Qualifier. They now have four points from four matches and are placed fourth.

Bangladesh, who suffered their first defeat at the six-team event, are second on the points table with six points from four games.

The second and final spot for the World Cup is now up for grabs.

Pakistan and Bangladesh face each other in their last game on Saturday while West Indies take on fifth-placed Ireland who have earned only two points from four games.

In case Bangladesh lose to Pakistan and West Indies beat Ireland, either Bangladesh or West Indies will qualify for the World Cup on the basis of net run-rate. On the other hand, Bangladesh will qualify if they defeat the hosts irrespective of the result of the West Indies-Ireland game.

After opener Zaida James (nine) was bowled by off-spinner Jannatul Ferdus at the total of just 27, West Indies were well served by their middle-order batters who made useful contributions. Top-scorer Henry, who made a 48-ball 51 not out, struck five fours and two sixes.

After losing three wickets at 74, captain Hayley Mathews (33) and Stafanie Taylor (36) added 66 runs for the fourth wicket. At 140-3, both batters became the victims of medium-pacer Marufa Akter as West Indies slump to 147-5.

However, Henry stood firm and added 50 runs with Shabika Gajnabi (20) for the sixth wicket before adding 30 more with Aaliyah Alleyne (11) for the seventh wicket to see their team home.

Marufa finished with two for 38 while Jannatul, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan earned one wicket each.

Earlier after electing to bat first, opener Fargana Hoque and Sharmin Akhtar built a 118-run second-wicket partnership helped Bangladesh post 227-9 off the allotted 50 overs. Sharmin top-scored with 67 off 79 balls while Fargana made a 78-ball 42.

When both were dismissed by medium-pacer Aaliyah Alleyne in the 28th over, Bangladesh slid to 135-3. Alleyne also sent captain Nigar Sultana (five) back to the pavilion in the 32nd over as Bangladesh kept losing wickets regularly.

Modest contributions from Nahida Akter (25), Rabey Khan (23) and 24 extras helped Bangladesh cross the 200 mark.

Alleyne picked up four wickets for 39 to claim the player-of-the-match honours while Mathews (2-42), Afy Fletcher (2-43) and Henry (1-38) were the other wicket-takers.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2025