The stage is set for a high-stakes match between Pakistan and West Indies in the eighth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025. This match, which is set for April 14 at 2:30 PM at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore under the lights, will have a big impact on the standings. With two wins from two games, including a vital victory against Ireland and a solid performance versus Scotland, Pakistan leads the rankings going into the encounter.
The West Indies, on the other hand, will be keen to prove themselves against a well-rounded Pakistan team after recovering from an early defeat to defeat Ireland. Both sides have strong rosters and have played in crucial situations before, but only one can move closer to qualifying, and West Indies, who are now ranked fourth on the table, are willing to win this to do so.
Squads:
Pakistan women’s cricket team
Fatima Sana (C), Najiha Alvi, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sundhu, Muneeba Ali, Rameen Shamim, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz
West Indies women’s cricket team
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle, 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
One of the Pakistan women’s team’s most reliable all-round players is Aliya Riaz. Well-known for her composed manner, she has scored 1444 runs in 63 innings of ODI cricket, including nine fifties. She has returned the best of 2/24 and has collected 12 wickets with the ball. With back-to-back fifties, a first in her career, she has scored 120 runs in this Qualifier so far.
Fatima Sana
Particularly with the ball, Fatima Sana remains one of Pakistan’s best players. With a best of 5/39, she has taken 55 wickets at an average of 29 in 42 ODIs. She is one of the rising stars in international women’s cricket because of her ability to swing the ball and create breakthroughs at crucial times as a pace-bowling all-rounder. She is a gifted batter as well, scoring 508 runs with a strike rate of 72 in 36 innings.
Aaliyah Alleyne
Aaliyah Alleyne is a potent seam-bowling all-rounder who stands out for the West Indies team. In 34 innings, she took 30 wickets at an average of 30 and tallied a rapid 366 runs at a strike rate of 61.72 down the order in 32 innings. She is a vital member of the team because of her range, and intensity on the field.
Stafanie Taylor
Because of her vast experience and ability to perform under pressure, Stafanie Taylor continues to be an important member of the West Indies team. In 156 games, Taylor has amassed 5745 runs, including a high of 171 and 41 half-centuries and seven hundreds. In 138 innings, she also claimed 155 wickets, including five four-wicket hauls.
Pitch:
Up until now in the tournament, the pitch at Gaddafi Stadium has been playing evenly balanced. Known for helping batters in the early going, it progressively introduces spinners into the game, particularly when the lights are on. Although pacers have had some success moving up front, spinners have been useful in managing the game in the middle overs. With possible dew affecting second-inning bowling, winning the toss and batting first is a calculated move.
Weather:
During match hours, Lahore’s weather is predicted to be clear and warm, with a temperature of 30°C, moderate humidity, and no risk of rain. Overall, there shouldn’t be any weather interruptions, making the conditions perfect for a competitive cricket match.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Hayley Matthews, Sidra Amin, Muneeba Ali, Stafanie Taylor, Aliya Riaz, Chinelle Henry, Fatima Sana, Diana Baig, Aaliyah Alleyne, Nashra Sundhu, Karishma Ramharack
Match details:
Date – April 14, 2025
Time – 2:30 PM IST
Venue – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Broadcast – Fans can watch all the live action on FanCode.
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