The ICC Women’s Championship cycle has come to a close, leaving some nations on the cusp of disappointment, their direct qualification dreams slipping away. Yet, the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 offer a second chance, a final opportunity to rewrite their destinies and secure one of the precious spots available for the World Cup.
The stakes are high, and the determination is palpable as these six teams, Scotland, Ireland, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand, and hosts Pakistan face off against each other in a battle for cricketing supremacy. As the cricketing world converges on this vibrant nation, the energy is palpable, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The hosts Pakistan led by skipper Fatima Sana were up against the determined Ireland side led by their inspirational skipper Gaby Lewis to kickstart the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Lahore.
Muneeba Ali, Aliya Riaz, and Sidra Amin guide Pakistan to 217/10
Jane Maguire got Ireland off to an ideal start, sending the opening batter Gull Feroza back to the pavilion in the 2nd over of the innings, providing the first breakthrough for her side, after skipper Gaby Lewis won the toss and opted to bowl first at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Sidra Amin joined Muneeba Ali at the crease and the duo bailed their side out of trouble with a much-needed 77-run partnership for the 2nd wicket.
Jane Maguire returned and broke the stand, by sending Muneeba Ali (32 off 59 balls) back to the pavilion in the 21st over of the innings to provide the crucial 2nd breakthrough for her side. Aliya Riaz joined Sidra Amin at the crease, the pair capitalised on the platform and took them past the 150-run mark with another crucial 72-run partnership for the 3rd wicket.
Cara Murrey broke the stand, by sending Sidra Amin (51 off 112 balls) back to the pavilion in the 36th over of the innings, providing a vital 3rd breakthrough for Ireland. She completed a gritty half-century before getting dismissed. A horrible collapse followed, seeing Pakistan get bundled out for 217 with an over to spare. The home side lost their last five wickets for just 36 runs. Aliya Riaz (52 off 58 balls) was the other half-centurion, for them.
Skipper Fatima Sana (19 off 15 balls), and Natalia Parvez (12 off 19 balls) were the only other batters to get into the double digits for Pakistan. Jane Maguire (10-1-33-3) was the standout performer with the ball, while Orla Prendergast (7-1-23-1), Arlene Kelly (9-1-34-2), and Cara Murray (10-0-49-2) were impressive with the ball for Ireland.
Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, and Saida Iqbal bowl Pakistan to a commanding win
Chasing a target of 218, Ireland openers Sarah Forbes and skipper Gaby Lewis got their side off to a cautious start with a 27-run opening partnership. Diana Baig broke the stand, by sending Sarah Forbes back to the pavilion in the 9th over of the run chase. Wicket-keeper batter Amy Hunter joined skipper Gaby Lewis at the crease and the duo took their side closer to the 100-run mark with a crucial 69-run partnership for the 2nd wicket.
Nashra Sandhu got the big scalp of the opposition skipper Gaby Lewis (44 off 67 balls) in the 24th over of the innings. She fell four runs short of her well-deserved half-century. Ireland lost a couple of wickets in quick succession before Leah Paul and Orla Prendergast (37 off 53 balls) brought the control of the run chase back with an important 34-run partnership for the 4th wicket, taking them past the 150-run mark.
Sadia Iqbal broke the threatening stand by sending Leah Paul (14 off 21 balls) back to the pavilion in the 38th over of the innings. A shocking collapse followed, seeing Ireland get bundled out for 179, losing their last five wickets for just 26 runs. As a result, falling 38 runs short of the target with 6 overs to spare. Wicket-keeper batter Amy Hunter (44 off 54 balls), and Louise Little (10 off 9 balls) were the only other batters to enter into the double digits with the bat for Ireland.
Diana Baig (9-0-35-4), Nashra Sandhu (9-0-41-3), and Saida Iqbal (9-1-33-2) were the top performers with the ball for Pakistan. Diana Baig was awarded the Player of the Match for her impactful spell with the ball, which played a crucial role in helping her side get over the line in a low-scoring contest. She also picked up a couple of catches in the field.
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