Pakistan Women Bat First Against West Indies in Crucial WC Qualifier

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Pakistan Women Opt to Bat First in Key World Cup Qualifier Against West Indies

The Pakistan women’s cricket team has chosen to bat first after winning the toss in their third ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifier match against West Indies, taking place on Monday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

This encounter marks Pakistan’s first day-night match in the tournament, and they’ll be eager to keep their winning streak alive as they eye a third consecutive victory, which would push them closer to securing a spot in the 2025 World Cup in India.

The home side is sticking with the same playing XI that secured a six-wicket win against Scotland last Friday. That victory came in a rain-affected match, with standout performances including a solid 68 not out from Aliya Riaz, a strong 71 by opener Muneeba Ali, and an impressive four-wicket haul by captain Fatima Sana.

Meanwhile, West Indies are also coming into this clash on the back of a narrow win. They edged past Ireland by six runs in a tense finish, building momentum of their own.

Earlier in the week, Pakistan opened their campaign with a 38-run win over Ireland in a low-scoring thriller. Batting first, the team posted 217 and then bowled out the Irish side for 179, thanks to stellar spells from Diana Baig (4 wickets) and Nashra Sandhu (3 wickets).

The ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier features six competing nations: Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland, Bangladesh, Scotland, and Thailand. The matches are being played in a single round-robin format, held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground.

This tournament will determine the two teams that qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup later this year in India. However, due to a “hybrid” hosting arrangement—after India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy—Pakistan’s remaining games will be held at neutral venues.

Team Line-ups:

Pakistan Playing XI:

Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (capt), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu.

West Indies Playing XI:

Hayley Matthews (capt), Zaida James, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack.

FAQs:

1. What is at stake in the Pakistan vs West Indies Women’s match?

This match is crucial for both sides as they aim to qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. A win would significantly improve Pakistan’s chances of cutting.

2. Who were the key players in Pakistan’s previous victories?

Aliya Riaz, Muneeba Ali, and Fatima Sana stood out against Scotland, while Diana Baig and Nashra Sandhu delivered key bowling performances against Ireland.

3. Where is the Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifier being held?

The tournament is being played in Lahore at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground.

4. Why is Pakistan playing at a neutral venue later in the tournament?

Due to political reasons, India refused to play in Pakistan. As a result, the ICC opted for a hybrid hosting model for fairness and safety.

5. How many teams will qualify for this tournament?

Only two teams from this qualifying round will earn a place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in India.