Pakistan Women’s cricket team delivered another clinical performance to secure their third straight win in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers, defeating the West Indies by 65 runs in Lahore. This victory, built on the back of tight spin bowling and a composed innings by opener Sidra Amin, has placed Pakistan at the top of the points table and one step closer to World Cup qualification.
Batting first after winning the toss at Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan posted a total of 191. Despite early trouble, Sidra Amin anchored the innings with a well-compiled 54 off 86 balls, marking her 10th ODI half-century. She played with patience and used sweeps and reverse sweeps to keep the scoreboard ticking on a turning wicket.
Gull Feroza fell early for 6, and Muneeba Ali, who had impressed in the previous match, was trapped leg-before for 22 just as the run rate started to pick up. Aliya Riaz, in red-hot form throughout the tournament, looked settled but was run out for 20 after a mix-up in the middle. Despite partnerships forming in patches, Pakistan kept losing wickets at key moments and were eventually bowled out for 191 in the 50th over.
In reply, West Indies crumbled under pressure as Pakistan’s spin attack dominated from the very first ball. Skipper Fatima Sana trapped West Indies captain Hayley Matthews for a golden duck, setting the tone for the innings. Matthews, who had earlier bowled a tight spell, couldn’t replicate the same impact with the bat.
The visitors lost Zaida James and Shemaine Campbelle to careless runouts, which added to their misery. The spin trio of Nashra Sandhu, Rameen Shamim, and Sadia Iqbal maintained relentless pressure, exploiting the spin-friendly pitch expertly. Nashra and Rameen bagged two wickets each, while Sadia claimed one.
However, it was Fatima Sana who led the attack again, finishing with 3 for 16 — her second impactful spell in as many matches. Her performance followed a four-wicket haul against Scotland and earned her praise for both her leadership and bowling consistency.
West Indies never looked settled and were bowled out far short of the target, giving Pakistan a 65-run win and plenty of momentum heading into their next games.
With this victory, Pakistan have strengthened their case for World Cup qualification. They now lead the six-team round-robin tournament, which features Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and West Indies. The top two teams will qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in India.
Pakistan will play their remaining matches at a neutral venue due to the hybrid hosting model agreed upon earlier this year.
