LAHORE: The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifiers began with dramatic flair Wednesday at Gaddafi Stadium, with hosts Pakistan securing a solid victory over Ireland while Scotland pulled off a remarkable upset against tournament favourites West Indies.
After the first day’s play, Pakistan and Scotland occupy the top two positions in the standings – the very places that will ultimately secure qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India later this year.
After being put in to bat following Ireland’s successful toss, Pakistan overcame an early setback when Feroza Gull was dismissed for just 4 in the second over. Muneeba Ali (32) and Sidra Amin (51) steadied the ship with a crucial partnership that laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s innings.
The momentum accelerated when Aliya Riaz arrived at the crease in the 22nd over, as she launched a counter-offensive against the Irish bowling, smashing 52 from 58 deliveries. Pakistan appeared on course for a substantial total at 175/4 by the 42nd over, but a remarkable late-order collapse saw them lose their final six wickets rapidly to be all out for 217 in the 49th over.
Jane Maguire was the architect of Ireland’s bowling success, returning figures of 3/33 from her allotted 10 overs, which included an impressive 44 dot balls.
Ireland’s response began cautiously before gathering momentum through Gaby Lewis, who top-scored with 44, and Amy Hunter. However, the turning point came when Pakistan spinner Nashra Sundhu exploited the variable bounce and turn available from pitch to claim three crucial middle-order wickets. Sundhu’s breakthroughs were complemented by Diana Baig’s precision bowling, with her four-wicket haul ultimately proving decisive as Pakistan restricted Ireland to 179 all out, securing a 38-run victory.
At the LCCA ground, in what will surely rank as one of Scottish women’s cricket’s finest hours, the team overcame West Indies by 11 runs in a contest that showcased both exceptional skill and extraordinary determination from both sides.
Scotland’s victory was built on a foundation of partnerships, with openers Abbie Aitken-Drummond (21) and Darcey Carter (25) providing a solid 48-run platform before the middle order took control. The standout partnership came from Sarah Bryce, who crafted an elegant 55 from 56 deliveries including six boundaries, and Megan McColl, who contributed 45 from 44 balls with five boundaries. Their 82-run stand proved decisive in taking Scotland to a competitive 244 all out.
The West Indies bowling attack was spearheaded by captain Hayley Matthews, who claimed exceptional figures of 4/56, systematically dismantling Scotland’s top order. Aaliyah Alleyne (2/31) and Karishma Ramharack (2/46) provided valuable support as they bowled Scotland out by the 45th over.
The chase became a tale of Matthews’ lone heroism against Scotland’s collective resolve. After Qiana Joseph departed without scoring, Matthews forged a 120-run partnership with Zaida James (45) that appeared to put West Indies in command.
