ICC Women’s World Cup
LAHORE: Pakistan’s women’s cricket team continued their dominant run at the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier with a commanding 87-run win over Thailand, securing their place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
The emphatic victory not only confirmed their qualification with a match still to be played but also propelled them to the top of the tournament standings.
Captain Fatima Sana led from the front, both with the bat and the ball, as her decision to bat first set the tone for a clinical all-round performance.
Pakistan posted a competitive total of 205/6 in their 50 overs, thanks to significant contributions from the top order, especially Sidra Amin and Sana herself.
Sidra Amin anchored the innings with a composed knock of 80 runs off 105 deliveries, including nine boundaries. Her innings laid a solid foundation, even as Pakistan suffered a mini-collapse at 85/4.
However, Amin found a reliable partner in Fatima Sana, and together the duo stitched a crucial 97-run stand for the fifth wicket. The skipper remained unbeaten on 62 from just 59 balls, showcasing flair and resilience. Her innings featured six boundaries and a six, pushing the team to a defendable total.
Thailand’s bowling unit put in a spirited effort, with Thipatcha Putthawong picking up two wickets, while Onnicha Kamchomphu and Nattaya Boochatham took one each.
In response, Thailand faltered under pressure and were bowled out for just 118 in 34.4 overs. Wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scored with 19 runs, while a handful of batters managed to reach double figures. Pakistan’s bowlers were relentless, with Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu, and Rameen Shamim each claiming three wickets, and Sadia Iqbal chipping in with one.
This win catapulted Pakistan to the top of the qualifier standings, overtaking Bangladesh, who lost a tight contest to the West Indies earlier in the day. Pakistan’s next and final group match is scheduled against Bangladesh on Saturday, but with their World Cup berth already secured, the pressure is off.
This triumph not only underlines Pakistan’s consistent performance throughout the tournament but also signals their readiness to compete at the highest level later this year at the ICC Women’s World Cup.
