In a dramatic and sobering accident, the West Indies ladies cricket group suffered a heavy 65-run defeat by the hands of Pakistan on Sunday, casting a darkish cloud over their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 ICC Girls’s World Cup in India. This was their second defeat in simply three matches of the continued qualifying event.
Held at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, the match began with promise however led to dismay for the Caribbean facet, as Pakistan posted 191 runs in 49.5 overs after opting to bat first. Regardless of a spirited bowling and fielding effort, the West Indies faltered miserably of their chase, bundled out for a mere 126 in 39.2 overs.
The early setback that light
Issues initially appeared vibrant for the Windies. Captain Hayley Matthews, persevering with her stellar all-round type, struck early to take away Pakistan opener Gull Feroza, lowering the hosts to six for 1. However Pakistan steadied themselves by way of disciplined batting, with opener Muneeba Ali contributing 33 and Sidra Amin anchoring the innings with a affected person 54 off 94 balls—a knock that earned her the Participant of the Match honors.
By the thirty seventh over, Pakistan had clawed their solution to 132 for 3. However spinner Afy Fletcher broke the rhythm by eradicating Omaima Sohail, sparking a collapse during which Pakistan misplaced their closing seven wickets for simply 59 runs. Matthews as soon as once more led the bowling assault with figures of two for 30, supported properly by Fletcher (2 for 39) and Karishma Ramharack (2 for 55).
The golden duck that set the tone
What might’ve been a manageable chase rapidly changed into a nightmare. The Windies’ innings started on the worst attainable notice: Hayley Matthews—Participant of the Match of their final victory in opposition to Eire—was trapped lbw on the very first ball. The shock was speedy and immense.
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Two calamitous and avoidable run-outs—these of Shemaine Campbelle and Zaida James—compounded the catastrophe, leaving the Windies limping at 29 for 3.
Coach Shane Deitz lamented the unraveling, saying, “It was in all probability the very best we’ve bowled and fielded and all we wanted was a very good begin to chase these runs down, however we misplaced a wicket first ball after which two uncommon run outs put us behind the eight-ball.”
A flicker of resistance, then collapse
Whereas a number of batters received begins, none have been in a position to mount a considerable resistance. Aaliyah Alleyne top-scored with 22, trying to marshal a lower-order fightback. Shabika Gajnabi added 21, and Jannillea Glasgow chipped in with 18, however Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless stress all through.
Sana Fatima (3 for 16) was medical with the ball, ably supported by Rameen Shamim (2 for 26) and Nashra Sandhu (2 for 31), dismantling the Windies’ fragile batting line-up with methodical precision.
Qualification now on life help
With simply two factors from three video games, West Indies at the moment sit fourth within the six-team desk. Solely the highest two sides will qualify for the World Cup. Pakistan, main with six factors from three wins, are in a commanding place. Bangladesh (4 factors from two matches) and Scotland (additionally on 4 factors) occupy second and third locations, respectively.
Now, the West Indies’ path is perilously slender. They need to defeat each Bangladesh—who stay unbeaten—and Thailand—but to register a win—and likewise hope for favorable outcomes from different fixtures.
As Coach Deitz put it, “It’s a disappointing outcome,” however he was clear: the combat isn’t over but.
What lies forward
The Windies ladies are set to face Bangladesh on Thursday earlier than wrapping up their marketing campaign in opposition to Thailand on Saturday. The stakes couldn’t be greater. Victory isn’t just fascinating—it’s important. Their World Cup dream now hinges not solely on their very own performances, but additionally on destiny aligning of their favor.
Till then, hope stays—however it’s hope hanging by the slenderest of threads.
