The West Indies started their the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2016 campaign by defeating Pakistan. West Indies won by four runs in a thrilling Group B match in Chennai on Wednesday.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first, the topper of ICC Women T20 ranking The West Indies, scored only 103 for eight. However, West Indies hit back to keep the rivals down to 99 for five in a fighting finish at the Chidambaram stadium.

Off-spinner Anisa Mohammed picked up three wickets to ensure Pakistan’s batters were not allowed to settle down on the slow pitch.

Pakistan’s two left-arm spinners shared six wickets, with Anam Amin returning with excellent figures of four wickets for 16 runs from four overs and Sadia Yousuf taking two for 14.

Pakistan lost opener Javeria Khan in the first over through injury, but Bismah Maroof top-scored with 22 and Asmavia Iqbal remained unbeaten on 19 to keep their team in the hunt till the end.

Pakistan captain Sana Mir said:

“It was a good game of cricket, a very close game.  We may have lost but I am happy with the way the girls performed after coming into the tournament without playing a practice match.”

Pakistan next plays India in New Delhi on Saturday, while the West Indies takes on Bangladesh in Chennai on Sunday.

Summarised scores:

West Indies beat Pakistan by four runs in Chennai

West Indies 103-8, 20 overs (Stafanie Taylor 40; Anam Amin 4-16, Sadia Yousuf 2-14)

Pakistan 99-5, 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 22, Sidra Ameen 20, Asmavia Iqbal 19 not out, Sana Mir 18, Anisa Mohammed 3-25)