Pakistan cruise past Scotland for second win in a row

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LAHORE: Pakistan reinforced its grip on the World Cup qualification with six wickets against Scotland, while the West Indies gave the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 -day Ireland a disappointment of their opening day by six runs.

On a rain -affected day at the Lahore City Cricket Association ground, Pakistan retained its unbeaten record in the tournament, which successfully chased the target of 187, which reduced a match lesser than the unbeaten Scotland.

The victory brought Pakistan to the upper part of the capacity table with two matches, and put them to India next year to secure one of the two prestigious destinations for the World Cup, which would likely play in a neutral location.

After winning the toss in the short competition and landing in the first field, Pakistan’s bowling attack initially started with Sadia Iqbal and Diana Baig with the removal of Scottish openers inside the power play.

Scottish Captain Catherine Brace responded with a 91 -91 delivery supply of 96, including 10 boundaries and six, of which were undoubtedly the innings of the day. It received valuable support from Elsa Lester (31) and Sarah Brace (21) when Scotland built a platform at 123/4 after 22.1 overs.

However, Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana led a remarkable bowling return, claiming 4/23 from his five overs to keep Scotland to 186/9. Sadia Iqbal provided excellent support with 2/43 from seven overs, while Nishra Sandhu and Diana Baig maintained constant pressure.

Pakistan was chased and measured, in which two remaining half -centuries anchored. Opener Maniba Ali continued his impressive shape with 72 to 71 delivery, while Aaliyah Riaz was unbeaten to guide the houses with 68 to 68 with 68 to 68 and save an over.

“Our bowling unit today showed great discipline after the strong start of Scotland,” said Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana, Captain Fatima Sana, Pakistan Capt. “After that, Maniba and Aaliyah showed the batting form, which gives us the confidence to trust in our crucial match against the West Indies.”

An important figure was marked in the victory, in which a new record was set for ODIs between Pakistan and Scotland women’s teams with 376 runs.

The West Indies survived the fear of the Irish at the Gaddafi Stadium, the West Indies rejected their hopes of ability with a six -run tension against Ireland in another rain -affected match.

After his amazing defeat to Scotland at the opener of the tournament, the West Indies, knowing that another loss would be severely damaged by their chances of reaching their World Cup.

As asked to bat first, the West Indies suffered a preliminary problem when Captain Haley Mathews and Kayana Joseph were dismissed during a power play. However, the veteran middle order responded to a commendable response, with Stapani Taylor and Channel Henry scoring 46 runs, while Zaida James added a valuable 36.

Ireland’s bowling attack was fully disciplined, with Jean Magveer claiming 3/35 impressive figures. Andla Prandragast and Cara Murray also took important wickets as the West Indies were restricted to 181/6 from their 33 overs.

In reply, Ireland scored 50 runs during the power play and apparently put themselves in a position to pursue a successful chase. However, Mathews showed why he was considered one of the premiere all -rounders of the game by removing Irish captain Gabi Lewis and claiming Aurla Pridegaset.

Amy Hunter offered to resist with 48 runs, while Laura Dylney supported 32, keeping Ireland in a deep controversy in Chase. As the tensions increased in the final overs, Mathews returned to claim for the last wicket, dismissing Earlin Kelly for a six -run victory and kept the West Indies’ eligible hopes alive.

“After the Scotland match, we knew we had no room for mistakes,” said Mathews, a graduate after the match. “Today was not perfect, but sometimes winning the ugly tournament requires cricket. We have provided confidence in defending the role we played.”