West Indies secure last-ball win over Pakistan to seal ODI series

KARACHI: West Indies women upstaged Pakistan by two wickets in the second ODI, with the player of the match Stafanie Taylor (73) scoring a well-crafted half-century to seal the three-match series here at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday evening.

Sidra Ameen (50) and Bismah Maroof (65) provided Pakistan with a fighting score. Until the 46th over, the West Indies were in cruise control, being 206 for four, but the removal of the well-set Stefanie Taylor turned the contest as Pakistan not only took wickets but also squeezed the runs.

In the last over by Fatima Sana, the West Indies needed five, but just two runs on the first four balls by the hosts’ bowler kept Pakistan in the game. The fifth ball yielded a wicket, but a slight mistake in the strategy on the last ball spoiled Pakistan’s fight back after wicket-keeper Najiha Alvi failed to cling onto a tough edge.

The skipper Hayley Matthews (44) continued good form as Stafanie and Shemaine Campbelle (52) tailored an 88-run partnership for the third wicket. But two wickets from Nida Dar, one from Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana after the 46th over brought Pakistan into the game.

Pakistan Women’s team captain Nida Dar completed her 100 wickets in ODIs. She is the second Pakistani woman cricketer to reach this milestone after Sana Mir.

Earlier, Pakistan Women won the toss and decided to bat first and the entire team was dismissed for 223 runs in 48.5 overs. Pakistan Women’s start was disappointing. Muniba Ali was bowled by Krishnail Henry for just 2 runs. Sidra Amin and Bisma Maruf added 80 runs in the second wicket partnership.

Sidra Amin scored 50 runs with the help of four fours and was lbw off Effie Fletcher, which is her eighth half-century in ODIs. After her exit, only Bisma Maruf managed to put up a remarkable performance. She scored 65 runs with the help of three fours, which is her 21st half-century in ODIs, but the other batsmen could not stay on the wicket for long. Captain Nida Dar was run out after scoring 15 runs. Alia Riaz scored 6 runs, Sadaf Shams scored 9 runs and Fatima Sana scored 11 runs. Wicketkeeper Najiha Alvi scored 25 runs. Fast bowler Shanil Henry giving 37 runs and off-spinner Karisma Ramark giving 48 runs took three wickets each. Effie Fletcher dismissed two players.