Under the bright lights of the historic Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan Women continued their impressive march in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025, defeating the West Indies by a commanding 65 runs on Monday night. The win — their third in as many games — placed them firmly atop the six-team table.
It was a performance built on grit, guile, and unrelenting discipline — led by the calm of Sidra Amin with the bat and the fire of Fatima Sana with the ball.
Sidra’s Stubborn Half-Century Anchors Pakistan’s Innings
After electing to bat first, Pakistan’s start was shaky, losing Gull Feroza early. But Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin steadied the ship with a watchful 47-run partnership. Muneeba, fluent as always, stroked four boundaries in her 33 before falling lbw to Afy Fletcher.
From that point on, Sidra became the glue. Her 94-ball 54 was not flashy, but it was full of intent — a classic anchor’s knock in tricky conditions. It was also her 10th ODI fifty, underscoring her status as the mainstay of Pakistan’s top order.
Contributions from Sidra Nawaz (23 off 28) and Aliya Riaz (20 off 35) helped Pakistan push the total to 191 before being bowled out in the final over. The West Indies bowlers, especially Hayley Matthews and Karishma Ramharack, kept the scoring in check, each bagging two wickets.
Fatima Strikes Early, Spinners Seal the Deal
Chasing 192 under lights was never going to be easy — and Fatima Sana made sure it stayed that way. She removed the dangerous Matthews early and didn’t look back, finishing with 3 for 16 in a fiery spell that broke the West Indies’ backbone.
The Caribbean side never recovered from the jolts. Only Aaliyah Alleyne (22) and Shabika Gajnabi (21) managed to cross 20, but neither looked capable of turning the tide.
Pakistan’s spinners — Rameen Shamim (2-26), Nashra Sundhu (2-31), and Sadia Iqbal (1-31) — operated with clinical control, drying up runs and striking at regular intervals to bundle the West Indies out for 126 in 39.2 overs.
Fatima’s all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award, as Pakistan celebrated yet another commanding win in front of a passionate home crowd.
On a Roll, Eyes on Thailand Next
With wins over Ireland, Scotland, and now West Indies, Pakistan sit confidently at the top — their bowling in fine rhythm, and the batting finding its shape.
Their next challenge? A hungry Thailand side on 17 April at 2:00 PM PKT. But for now, the hosts are ticking all the right boxes — and looking like genuine contenders.
Result: Pakistan Women beat West Indies Women by 65 runs
Player of the Match: Fatima Sana
Next Fixture: Pakistan vs Thailand – 17 April, 2:00 PM PKT
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