Experienced spinner Nida Dar achieved a significant milestone by becoming only the second player from Pakistan’s women’s team to claim 100 ODI wickets. This remarkable feat follows in the footsteps of her former teammate Sana Mir, who has amassed an impressive tally of 151 wickets. Nida now joins an elite group of just 27 players worldwide who have achieved the distinction of collecting over 100 wickets in women’s ODIs.
Nida Dar made her debut against Ireland in Potchefstroom on October 6, 2010, during the inaugural match of the ICC Women’s Cricket Challenge. Since then, she has showcased her skills in 107 innings, securing an impressive tally of 103 wickets. Her bowling prowess is evident in her overall economy rate of 4.12, coupled with an average of 30.33.
Throughout her career, Dar has left her mark with remarkable performances, including four 4-wicket hauls. Notably, three of these were against the West Indies, while one came against South Africa. She has particularly excelled against the West Indian team, bagging 25 wickets in 21 innings, which includes her best figure of 4/10 which came in the 20th Match of the Women’s World Cup on March 21, 2022. She also holds her personal record for the most maidens bowled, tallying 23, against the same West Indies side.
Against South Africa, Dar has been equally impactful, securing 21 wickets in 19 innings at an economy of 3.60, with her best figures being 4/15. Notably, her best economy rate of 2.95 came against Ireland, where she has claimed 14 wickets across 11 innings, averaging 15.42. Furthermore, Dar has displayed her effectiveness against the Netherlands with a stellar average of 15.25, having taken 4 wickets in 3 innings.
In the gripping encounter during the second ODI of the West Indies tour of Pakistan in Karachi, the Asian side succumbed to the Caribbean team. Nida showcased her prowess by claiming impressive figures of 4/52 in the match, elevating her tally in women’s ODIs to 103 wickets.
Notably, this marked her third four-wicket haul against the West Indies. Despite Pakistan’s efforts, the West Indies managed to chase down a target of 223, culminating in a last-ball boundary finish by Karishma Ramharack. This victory not only propelled the West Indies to a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but also earned them crucial points in the ICC Women’s Championship standings, bolstering their total to 12 points.
The final match of the ODI series unfolds in Karachi on 23 March, Tuesday, followed by a five-game T20I series at the same venue. These matches serve as a precursor to this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.