Pakistan commenced its ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier campaign with a commendable triumph over Ireland, highlighting their intent to secure a coveted spot in the tournament.
In the concurrent fixture, Scotland achieved a remarkable victory against the West Indies, despite a valiant effort from the West Indies captain, Hayley Matthews. Matthews' century, despite being the shining performance of the match, could not prevent Scotland from celebrating a historic win.
Scotland registers historic win over West Indies
Scotland secured its place in Cricket World Cup history with an 11-run win over the West Indies, marking an auspicious start to their quest for a first World Cup appearance. The match demonstrated Scotland's resilience and strategic play in critical moments.
The Scottish innings began with effectiveness as openers Abbi Aitken-Drummond and Darcey Carter laid a robust foundation, contributing 48 runs before the first wicket fell. Aitken-Drummond's dismissal triggered a brief collapse, as Carter and Kathryn Bryce also perished, leaving Scotland at a precarious 69 for three in the 16th over. Hayley Matthews, leading her team, was instrumental in this phase, capturing all three wickets.
Despite facing cramps, Matthews showcased remarkable determination, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 114 runs. However, her efforts ultimately fell short of securing victory for her team. Wicket-keeper Sarah Bryce provided solid support for Scotland, scoring a crucial 55 runs before becoming Matthews' last victim.
Following her departure, Scotland encountered difficulties, losing five wickets for just 23 runs. Their innings concluded at 244 all out in the 45th over, a score they would defend fiercely.
In response, the West Indies began with promise, buoyed by Matthews and Zaida James, who contributed 45 runs to a second-wicket partnership. The West Indies appeared to be surmounting the challenge until Matthews was forced to retire hurt on 95. Despite her absence, the innings continued to see incremental advances until the precarious position became evident with the fall of key wickets.
Katherine Fraser’s bowling triumphantly struck by removing Cherry-Ann Fraser for a duck, leaving the West Indies reeling at 194 for seven.
As the match remained tightly contested, Matthews returned to the field to bolster her team, ultimately reaching her century. However, with the game hanging delicately in the balance, she found herself stranded on 114 not out, as Aaliyah Alleyne was out for 17, falling lbw to Abtaha Maqsood, leaving the West Indies just 12 runs shy of victory.
Host nation Pakistan triumphs against Ireland
Meanwhile, in a complementary fixture, Pakistan demonstrated their cricketing prowess with a 38-run victory over Ireland, propelling them to a strong start in their qualifying journey.
Batting first, Pakistan faced an early setback when Gull Feroza was dismissed for just four runs. This prompted a recovery effort, led by Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin, who accrued substantial runs. After building a solid partnership, Amin reached a respectable 51 runs from 112 balls.
However, it was Aliya Riaz who exceeded expectations by scoring 52 runs at a quicker tempo, achieving her half-century in an impressive 54 balls. Her aggressive batting added necessary momentum to Pakistan’s innings.
After Riaz's dismissal, complications arose for the hosts, as they lost their final five wickets for just 23 runs. Ultimately, Pakistan was bowled out for 217 runs, with Jane Maguire having a standout performance for Ireland, capturing three wickets for 33 runs.
To mount a successful chase, Ireland required a strong start, and Gaby Lewis along with Amy Hunter responded by building a second-wicket partnership of 69 runs, both contributing 44 runs. Orla Prendergast attempted to stabilize the innings with a cautious 37 runs, but the tide began to turn in favor of Pakistan as Ireland stumbled to 178 for nine. Diana Baig showcased exceptional bowling, taking four wickets and providing a crucial breakthrough at vital moments.
As Ireland's hopes dwindled, the match culminated when Pakistan executed a run-out of Cara Murray, thereby sealing their victory and commencing their qualifying campaign on a high note.
The opening day of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier set the stage for a thrilling competition, showcasing the prowess of host nations and the tenacity of challengers. This early success serves as a strong reminder of the evolving landscape of women's cricket, where every game has the potential to rewrite history.