Pakistan Women and West Indies Women will play the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 warm-up match at Lahore’s famous Gaddafi Stadium. Prior to the main competition, both teams will be keen to test their lineups and tactics.
West Indies would want to adapt fast and show off their powerful performance, while Pakistan will try to maximise on their home advantage and circumstances. Two tough teams with a mix of youthful and veteran players ready to shine are expected to engage in an intriguing duel during this warm-up match.
Squads:
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Muneeba Ali (VC), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Syeda Aroob Shah
West Indies Women’s Cricket Team
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle (VC), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams
Players to watch out:
Aliya Riaz
The 32-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, from 61 ODIs has amassed 1324 runs and with seven fifties to her name has registered the highest of 81. With the ball, she has claimed 12 wickets in 39 innings, at an economy rate of 5.44. She is an experienced campaigner and can be relied upon to anchor the innings and provide key breakthroughs with her effective off-spin bowling.
Diana Baig
One of Pakistan Women’s most important fast bowlers is Diana Baig. She can make early inroads with her ability to swing the ball both ways. Apart from her ability to bowl, she is also a useful lower-order batter who can score significant runs when called upon. She has claimed 46 wickets in 55 innings with 2 four wicket hauls and also scored 266 runs in lower order at a strike rate of 69 in ODIs.
Stafanie Taylor
One of the most seasoned players in the West Indies squad is Stafanie Taylor, a top-tier all-around talent. She has amassed 5691 runs in 154 innings in ODIs, including seven hundreds, and is renowned for her cool-headed and collected batting approach. She is a match-winner because, in addition to her batting, her off-spin bowling creates vital breakthroughs. At an economy rate of 3.56, she has taken 155 wickets.
Afy Fletcher
The 38-year-old spinner from 71 ODI outings has picked up 91 wickets, at an average of 24.17 and an economy rate of 4.09, and returned the best of 4/22. With the bat, she has been handy, adding 404 runs from 58 innings, and registered the highest of 36*. Afy has enjoyed a purple patch of late and with aiding subcontinental conditions, she will be vital for the Windies.
Pitch:
Early in the game, batters may play their strokes easily because they can anticipate strong bounce and carry. But as the game goes on, spinners come more into the game because of the surface’s dryness, which provides turn and grip. The teams who win the toss may want to bat first, get a high total, and then let their spinners put pressure on the ball in the second innings.
Weather:
A complete 50-over contest is expected with a sunny, bright overhead and the temperature is expected to stay between 28°C and 32°C. Later in the evening, dew is unlikely to be an issue because of the moderate humidity levels. All things considered, players and spectators can anticipate uninterrupted action at Gaddafi Stadium.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Aliya Riaz, Muneeba Ali, Shemaine Campbelle, Sadia Iqbal, Chinelle Henry, Fatima Sana, Afy Fletcher, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig
Match details:
Date – April 7, 2025
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Broadcast – T.B.C.
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