Pakistan take on spirited Scotland today

LAHORE: With momentum on their side, Pakistan Women will look to extend their winning streak when they face Scotland Women in the fourth match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground on Friday.

Pakistan began their campaign on a positive note with a convincing 30-run win over Ireland Women, while Scotland pulled off an impressive upset against West Indies, edging them out in a thrilling contest by a narrow margin.

The home side produced a complete performance in their opener. Aliya Riaz and Sidra Amin hit crucial half-centuries to anchor the innings, while Muneeba Ali chipped in with a handy 32. Despite a late batting collapse that saw five wickets fall for just 26 runs, Pakistan posted a competitive total that their bowlers successfully defended.

On the bowling front, Diana Baig starred with the ball, returning match-winning figures of 4 for 35, while Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal also made vital contributions to restrict Ireland’s chase.

Captain Fatima Sana will be banking on her experienced core — including Rameen Shamim, and Aliya Riaz — to continue delivering under pressure. Scotland shocked many with their spirited win over the West Indies. Wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce led from the front with a composed 55 off 56 balls, supported by Megan McColl’s aggressive 45. Contributions from Abbi Aitken, Darcey Carter, and Katherine Fraser helped Scotland post a solid 244-run total — a score that proved enough thanks to a disciplined bowling display.

Katherine Fraser was the standout with the ball, picking up 3 for 50, while Chloe Abel and Abtaha Maqsood grabbed two wickets each to halt the West Indies’ chase. Skipper Kathryn Bryce will hope her team can replicate that all-round effort against a more balanced Pakistan side.

The Lahore City Cricket Association Ground has so far favored teams batting first, with an average first-innings score of 244. The weather is expected to be sunny with a moderate breeze, which could test the fitness levels of both sides in the afternoon heat.

Pakistan and Scotland have met only once in ODIs — back in 2003 — with Pakistan winning that encounter by 38 runs. Given their current form and familiarity with home conditions, Pakistan Women enter as favorites, but Scotland’s spirited performance against a higher-ranked West Indies side proves they are no pushovers. Expect a tightly-contested clash, but Pakistan’s superior bowling attack and depth in experience give them the edge.