On a damp Friday afternoon at the LCCA Ground, two cool heads — Aliya Riaz and Muneeba Ali — guided Pakistan Women to a composed six-wicket victory over Scotland in a rain-shortened 32-over contest, securing their second consecutive win in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025.
It wasn’t just a chase. It was a reminder of Pakistan’s grit under pressure and the power of partnerships.
After being asked to bat first, Scotland stumbled early, losing two quick wickets to Sadia Iqbal and Diana Baig. But their ever-reliable captain Kathryn Bryce rose to the occasion, nearly carrying the innings single-handedly with a valiant 91 off 96 — an effort full of character and timing.
Despite her heroics, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the rest of the line-up in check. Fatima Sana, the skipper, bowled with venom and precision, claiming 4 for 23 in her five-over spell — a performance that sliced through Scotland’s hopes of setting an imposing total. Scotland posted 186 for 9, which was revised to 182 for Pakistan due to a five-run penalty on the Scots for a fielding infraction.
The chase wasn’t without its jitters. Pakistan lost openers Gull Feroza and Sidra Amin with just 36 on the board. The Scottish bowlers sniffed a chance.
But that’s when Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz took charge — not with aggression, but with poise. Together, they stitched a match-defining 93-run partnership that broke the back of the chase and silenced the Scottish attack.
Muneeba dazzled with her strokeplay, scoring 71 off 72 balls, while Aliya played the perfect finisher, remaining unbeaten on 68 off 70, smashing seven boundaries and a six to seal the game in style with eight balls to spare.
With two wins in two, Pakistan’s campaign is picking up steam. Their batting, once under scrutiny, is now showing maturity in crunch moments. Their bowlers continue to deliver with discipline and flair.
Up next: a tough encounter against West Indies on April 14.
But for now, in a rain-hit match where composure was currency, it was Aliya Riaz who pocketed the player of the match medal — and Pakistan who walked off with a priceless win.
Result: Pakistan Women beat Scotland Women by six wickets
Player of the Match: Aliya Riaz
Next Fixture: Pakistan vs West Indies – April 14, 2:00 PM PKT
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