Pakistan women remain unbeaten at ICC World Cup Qualifier

LAHORE: Pakistan remained unbeaten in the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier as they defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the match played at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground on Saturday.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana’s decision to bat first backfired as her team’s batting unit faltered and could muster 178/9 in 50 overs against a disciplined bowling attack of Pakistan, led by Sadia Iqbal, who picked up three wickets for 28 runs in 10 overs.

She was adequately supported by skipper Fatima Sana and Diana Baig, who accounted for two dismissals each, while Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu made one scalp apiece.

Leading the way with the bat for Bangladesh was middle-order batter Ritu Moni, who top-scored in their must-win clash with 48 off 76 deliveries with the help of five boundaries.

Lower middle-order batter Fahima Khatun was the other notable run-getter for Bangladesh, scoring an unbeaten 44 off 53 deliveries, laced with four boundaries.

Chasing a modest 179-run target, the home side comfortably knocked the winning runs for the loss of just three wickets and 62 balls to spare, courtesy of anchoring half-centuries by Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz.

The left-handed batter top-scored for Pakistan in the run chase with 69 off 93 deliveries, studded with eight fours, while Riaz made an unbeaten 52 off 65 balls, comprised of six fours and a six.

Top-order batter Sidra Amin also made a significant contribution by scoring 33 off 52 deliveries with the help of four boundaries.

For Bangladesh, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter could pick up a wicket apiece.

For the unversed, hosts Pakistan have already qualified for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India with a comprehensive 87-run victory over Thailand on Thursday.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will now be dependent on the outcome of the ongoing last match of the tournament between West Indies and Thailand.

If West Indies beat Thailand by a massive margin, they can replace Bangladesh in the second position and will join Pakistan in advancing to the mega event, scheduled to be held later this year.