England women beat Pakistan in first ODI

LAHORE: England Women triumphed over Pakistan Women by 37 runs in the first ODI at Derby. Chasing a target of 244, Pakistan’s innings concluded at 206, despite a valiant effort from Muneeba Ali, who top-scored with 34 off 60 balls.

Batting at three, Muneeba shared a 30-run second-wicket partnership with Sadaf Shamas, who contributed 28 off 48 balls with three boundaries. Later, Nida Dar (26 off 38 balls) and Aliya Riaz (21 off 32 balls) attempted to stabilise the innings, steering Pakistan from 117-4 to 149-4 after 34 overs.

However, the match swung in England’s favour when Nida, Fatima Sana, and Aliya were dismissed in quick succession in the 35th, 36th, and 37th overs, respectively. Najiha Alvi remained unbeaten on 26 off 57 balls. Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean took three and two wickets, respectively. Pacers Lauren Bell and Kate Cross also chipped in with two wickets each.

Earlier, after opting to bowl, Pakistan’s bowlers initially struggled as England’s openers, Tammy Beaumont (33 off 40 balls) and Maia Bouchier (17 off 24 balls), put together a 45-run stand. Nashra Sundhu provided the breakthrough by dismissing Bouchier.

England’s skipper Heather Knight scored 29 off 49 balls before being stumped by Najiha Alvi off Aliya’s bowling. Nat Sciver-Brunt added 31 off 34 balls, leaving England at 118-4. A fifth-wicket partnership between Alice Capsey (44 off 65 balls) and Amy Jones (37 off 38 balls) added 67 runs off 75 balls.

Following Capsey’s departure in the 44th over with the score at 216-6, Sarah Glenn’s unbeaten 16 off 13 balls helped England reach 243-9 in their 50 overs. For Pakistan, skipper Nida Dar took three wickets, while Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sundhu, and Umm-e-Hani claimed two wickets each.