Pakistan triumph as Scotland stun West Indies in Women World Cup Qualifier opener

 

Pakistan triumph as Scotland stun West Indies in Women World Cup Qualifier opener

Asher Butt

LAHORE: The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier began with dramatic flair yesterday (Wednesday) at Gaddafi Stadium, with hosts Pakistan securing a solid victory over Ireland while Scotland pulled off a remarkable upset against tournament favorites West Indies despite a heroic performance from injured captain Hayley Matthews.

After the first day's play, Pakistan and Scotland occupy the top two positions in the standings – the very places that will ultimately secure qualification for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India later this year.

The tournament hosts, Pakistan demonstrated their title credentials with a well-constructed 38-run victory over Ireland here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

After being put in to bat following Ireland's successful toss, Pakistan overcame an early setback when Feroza Gull was dismissed for just 4 in the second over. Muneeba Ali (32) and Sidra Amin (51) steadied the ship with a crucial partnership that laid the groundwork for Pakistan's innings.

The momentum accelerated when Aliya Riaz arrived at the crease in the 22nd over, as she launched a counter-offensive against the Irish bowling, smashing 52 from 58 deliveries. Pakistan appeared on course for a substantial total at 175/4 by the 42nd over, but a remarkable late-order collapse saw them lose their final six wickets rapidly to be all out for 217 in the 49th over.

Jane Maguire was the architect of Ireland's bowling success, returning figures of 3/33 from her allotted 10 overs, which included an impressive 44 dot balls.

Ireland's response began cautiously before gathering momentum through Gaby Lewis, who top-scored with 44, and Amy Hunter. However, the turning point came when Pakistan spinner Nashra Sundhu exploited the variable bounce and turn available from the Gaddafi Stadium pitch to claim three crucial middle-order wickets.

Sundhu's breakthroughs were complemented by Diana Baig's precision bowling, with her four-wicket haul ultimately proving decisive as Pakistan restricted Ireland to 179 all out, securing a 38-run victory.

"Winning our opening match gives us great confidence," Pakistan captain Fatima Sana said at the post-match press conference. "The way our batters built partnerships in challenging conditions and how our bowlers adapted to exploit the surface shows we're prepared for this tournament. But this is just the beginning – we have more challenges ahead."

At the LCCA ground, in what will surely rank as one of Scottish women's cricket's finest hours, the team overcame West Indies by 11 runs in a contest that showcased both exceptional skill and extraordinary determination from both sides.

Scotland's victory was built on a foundation of partnerships, with openers Abbie Aitken-Drummond (21) and Darcey Carter (25) providing a solid 48-run platform before the middle order took control. The standout partnership came from Sarah Bryce, who crafted an elegant 55 from 56 deliveries including six boundaries, and Megan McColl, who contributed 45 from 44 balls with five boundaries. Their 82-run stand proved decisive in taking Scotland to a competitive 244 all out.

The West Indies bowling attack was spearheaded by captain Hayley Matthews, who claimed exceptional figures of 4/56, systematically dismantling Scotland's top order. Aaliyah Alleyne (2/31) and Karishma Ramharack (2/46) provided valuable support as they bowled Scotland out by the 45th over.

The chase became a tale of Matthews' lone heroism against Scotland's collective resolve. After Qiana Joseph departed without scoring, Matthews forged a 120-run partnership with Zaida James (45) that appeared to put West Indies in command.

The narrative shifted dramatically when Scotland's bowlers orchestrated a middle-order collapse, claiming wickets at regular intervals. Yet Matthews remained undeterred, even when forced to temporarily retire hurt with a visible injury.

In one of the day's most poignant moments, with West Indies reduced to 203/9, Matthews returned to the crease on a stretcher, displaying remarkable courage to continue her innings despite obvious pain. She proceeded to complete her ninth ODI century, reaching an unbeaten 114.

The drama intensified as Matthews and Alleyne edged closer to the target, but spinner Abtaha Maqsood delivered the decisive blow, trapping Alleyne leg before wicket with West Indies just 11 runs short of victory.

"This win represents everything we've been working toward," said Scottish captain Kathryn Bryce after the match. "To overcome a team of West Indies' caliber, especially with Matthews playing one of the bravest innings you'll ever see, gives us tremendous belief going forward."

For West Indies, despite Matthews' extraordinary individual performance, their defeat places immediate pressure on them to win their remaining fixtures. Ireland, meanwhile, showed enough promise with both bat and ball to suggest they remain contenders despite their opening defeat.

The qualifier continues tomorrow with Bangladesh facing Thailand in what promises to be another fascinating encounter as the six teams continue their quest for the two coveted World Cup berths.