LAHORE: Pakistan and Scotland registered impressive victories on the opening day of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier, held at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground, respectively, on Wednesday.
Pakistan secured a 38-run win over Ireland, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance led by pacer Diana Baig (4-35), and backed by left-arm spinners Nashra Sandhu (3-41) and Sadiq Iqbal (2-33). The trio claimed nine wickets collectively, exploiting a pitch that offered something for both seamers and spinners.
Ireland’s captain Gaby Lewis won the toss and elected to field, but the decision backfired as Pakistan posted a competitive 217 in 49 overs. Sidra Amin (51) and Aliya Riaz (52) anchored the innings with key middle-order contributions, following a solid 32 from opener Muneeba Ali.
Ireland’s chase began steadily but faltered as wickets fell at regular intervals. Diana Baig struck early and late, while Nashra Sandhu delivered the pivotal blows in the middle overs, including the dismissals of Lewis (44) and Amy Hunter (44), who had shared a promising 69-run partnership. Sadiq Iqbal chipped in with two wickets, and a run-out by Fatima Sana and Nashra sealed the win, as Ireland were bowled out for 179 in 44 overs.
Pakistan had earlier overcome the early loss of debutant Gull Feroza (4) through a steady 77-run stand between Muneeba and Sidra. However, a mid-innings collapse saw both Sidra and Aliya fall in quick succession. Despite the setbacks, Pakistan reached a competitive total, with Ireland’s Jane Maguire (3-33), Arlene Kelly (2-34), and Cara Murray (2-49) among the wickets.
Scotland edge past West Indies despite Matthews’ heroics
At the LCCA Ground, Scotland pulled off a stunning 11-run victory over the West Indies, overcoming a remarkable all-round performance by Windies captain Hayley Matthews, who scored an unbeaten 114 and took 4-48.
Opting to field first, the West Indies couldn’t contain Scotland’s batters, who posted 244 in 45 overs. Sarah Bryce (55) and Megan McColl (45) led the charge, stabilizing the innings with an 82-run partnership after openers Abbie Aitken-Drummond (21) and Darcey Carter (25) fell early—both to Matthews.
Matthews broke the Bryce-McColl stand and was instrumental throughout the innings, but Scotland still managed to post a defendable total.
In reply, Matthews carried West Indies’ hopes almost single-handedly. Battling cramps and visibly exhausted, she played a valiant innings, facing 113 balls and striking 14 fours and a six. Zaida James (45) provided able support, but once Matthews was stretchered off after reaching her ninth ODI century, the momentum began to shift.
Despite returning later to bat again, Matthews couldn’t guide her side home. The West Indies were bowled out for 233 in the 47th over, falling short by 11 runs.
Scotland’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. Katherine Fraser led the attack with 3-50, while Chloe Abel (2-31) and Abtaha Maqsood (2-60) provided crucial breakthroughs.
