Pakistan edges closer to ICC Women's World Cup with win over West Indies

Pakistan boosted their qualifying chances when they bulldozed West Indies by 65 runs, their third straight win, in the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers game at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Monday night.

Sidra Amin scored a 94-ball 54 while Muneeba Ali (33) also did well with the bat to enable Pakistan women post 191 all out in 49.5 overs.

In response, skipper Fatima Sana (3-16) bowled superbly as West Indies were skittled out for 126 in the 40th over. Aaliyah Alleyne top-scored with 22.

Set to chase a tricky target, West Indies were never in the run as they labored hard but could not build solid partnerships. Only a few reasonable contributions in the middle order were not enough to prevent the hosts from notching a facile win.

West Indies were really hurt by a couple of run-outs in the top order and Fatima Sana, the right-armer, was also their main tormentor who ripped through their batting which lost their way from the very start.

Shabika Gajnabi (21), Janelle Glasgow (18) and Stafanie Taylor (17) were the other notable contributors.

Fatima was ably backed by spinners Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu who took two wickets each. Sadia Iqbal claimed 1-31.

Earlier, Sidra Amin played an anchor role in tough conditions as she scored her second fifty of the event by scoring a sedate 94-ball 54 which carried four fours.

Sidra was involved in three useful small partnerships which helped Pakistan post a respectable total in the end.

After Gull Feroza (2) failed once again, Sidra Amin added 47 runs for the second wicket stand with Muneeba Ali who chipped in with a 60-ball 33, smashing four boundaries. Sidra then added valuable 44 for the third wicket association with experienced Aliya Riaz who fell for a 35-ball 20 which featured one four.

Sidra was then assisted by Omaima Sohail as the duo stitched another 35 runs for the fourth wicket stand to boost the total.

Sidra Nawaz made a 28-ball 23 striking one four.

Spin-trio of skipper Haley Matthews (2-30 in 10 overs), Karishma Ramharack (2-55 in 9.5) and Afy Fletcher (2-39 in 10 overs) bowled tightly.

Pakistan moved to six points from three matches at the summit while Bangladesh and Scotland trail second and third with four points each. This was the third loss for the West Indies and they have two points from three meetings.

Top two in the end will qualify for the World Cup to be hosted by India later this year.

Pakistan will face Thailand on Thursday in their next show.