Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers: Pakistan and Scotland Secure Wins on Opening Day
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Synopsis
On April 9, the Women's ODI World Cup qualifiers kicked off with Pakistan defeating Ireland by 38 runs, while Scotland secured an impressive 11-run victory over the West Indies, highlighted by Hayley Matthews' impressive century.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan won against Ireland by 38 runs.
- Scotland achieved a thrilling win against the West Indies by 11 runs.
- Aliya Riaz and Sidra Amin were key players for Pakistan.
- Hayley Matthews scored a century but couldn't secure a win for West Indies.
- Diana Baig's bowling was instrumental in Pakistan's victory.
Lahore, April 9 (NationPress) The host nation, Pakistan, initiated their campaign in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup qualifiers with a 38-run victory against Ireland on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Scotland achieved a remarkable 11-run win over the more favored West Indies, despite a valiant century from skipper Hayley Matthews.
At the Gaddafi Stadium, Muneeba Ali (32) and Sidra Amin formed a solid partnership of 77 runs before Amin was dismissed for 51 runs off 112 balls. Aliya Riaz was the standout performer, scoring a half-century off 54 deliveries, contributing 52 runs to the hosts’ total.
However, following her dismissal, Ireland mounted a strong comeback as Pakistan lost their last five wickets for just 23 runs, finishing at 217 all out in 49 overs, with Jane Maguire taking 3 wickets for 33 runs. Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter led Ireland's chase, both scoring 44 runs and forming a second-wicket partnership worth 69 runs.
Orla Prendergast then stepped up with a score of 37 before Ireland stumbled to 178 for nine, with pacer Diana Baig claiming 4 wickets for 35 runs. Ultimately, Pakistan sealed the win with a run-out of Cara Murray, as Ireland was bowled out for 179 in 44 overs.
Meanwhile, at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground, Scotland began their innings confidently with openers Abbi Aitken-Drummond and Darcey Carter putting on an opening stand of 48 runs. However, the West Indies' Hayley Matthews struck, dismissing Abbi, Darcey, and Kathryn Bryce to leave Scotland at 69/3 in the 16th over.
Wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce showed resilience for Scotland, scoring a top score of 55 off 56 balls before becoming Hayley’s last wicket as the West Indies captain ended with figures of 4-56. Chinelle Henry executed two run-outs around Bryce’s dismissal, leaving Scotland at 194/6 before being all out for 244 in 45 overs.
In response, Hayley led the West Indies' innings and was supported early by Zaida James, who made 45 runs, leaving the Windies at 120/2. Scotland began to make inroads, but Hayley had to retire hurt on 95, being taken off on a stretcher.
Katherine Fraser then bowled Cherry-Ann Fraser for a duck, reducing the Windies to 194/7. In a tense finish, Hayley surprisingly returned to partner Aaliyah Alleyne, reaching her century before being left stranded on 114 not out as Alleyne was dismissed lbw for 17 runs, allowing Scotland to achieve a historic win.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 217 all out in 49 overs (Aliya Riaz 52, Sidra Amin 51; Jane Maguire 3-33, Arlene Kelly 2-34) defeated Ireland 179 all out in 44 overs (Amy Hunter 44, Gaby Lewis 44; Diana Baig 4-35, Nashra Sandhu 3-41) by 38 runs.
Scotland 244 all out in 45 overs (Sarah Bryce 55, Megan McColl 45; Hayley Matthews 4-56, Aaliyah Alleyne 2-31) defeated West Indies 233 all out in 46.2 overs (Hayley Matthews 114 not out, Zaida James 45; Katherine Fraser 3-50, Chloe Abel 2-31) by 11 runs.
