Pakistan showcased a commanding all-round performance, with Fatima Sana’s impressive four-wicket haul and fluent half-centuries from Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz propelling the Green Shirts to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Scotland in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on Friday.
After being put in to bat first in a rain-reduced contest, Scotland posted a competitive total of 186/9 in their allotted 32 overs, built around a captain’s innings from Kathryn Bryce.
Scotland endured a shaky start to their innings as both openers, Abbi Aitken-Drummond (1) and Pippa Sproul (9), were dismissed within the first five overs with just 17 runs on the board.
Coming in at number three, Bryce steadied the innings and anchored the batting effort until the final ball, top-scoring with a brilliant 91 off 96 deliveries, which included 10 fours and a six. She forged crucial partnerships with Sarah Bryce (21) and Ailsa Lister (31) to help her side reach a respectable total.
For Pakistan, Fatima Sana spearheaded the bowling attack, finishing with impressive figures of 4/23 in five overs. Sadia Iqbal picked up two wickets, while Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig each claimed one.
Chasing 187, Pakistan overcame early setbacks to secure a six-wicket victory with eight balls to spare, thanks to resilient half-centuries from Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz.
The hosts were reduced to 36/2 in the eighth over before Muneeba and Aliya forged a crucial 93-run partnership for the third wicket. Muneeba was dismissed in the 24th over after a fluent 71 off 72 balls, hitting 10 boundaries, including a six.
Aliya then briefly partnered with skipper Fatima Sana (7) before guiding the chase to victory with Sidra Nawaz (14*). Aliya remained unbeaten on 68 from 70 balls, striking seven fours and a six.
For Scotland, Chloe Abel claimed two wickets but conceded 42 runs in six overs, while Kathryn Fraser and Rachel Slater each picked up a wicket.
With this comprehensive win, Pakistan climbed to the top of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier standings with four points from two matches, while Scotland remained in third place.
