Daijiworld Media Network - Lahore

Lahore, Apr 11: In a thrilling day of action at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers, fifties from Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz powered Pakistan to a six-wicket win over Scotland, while West Indies edged past Ireland by just six runs in a rain-shortened clash, thanks to yet another four-wicket haul by skipper Hayley Matthews.

At the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground, Scotland were restricted to 186/9 in 32 overs after the match was reduced due to rain. The early breakthroughs by Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal had Scotland struggling at the start, but Kathryn Bryce stood firm with a commanding 91 off 96 balls, anchoring the innings despite losing partners at regular intervals. Fatima Sana starred with the ball, bagging 4/23, dismantling Scotland’s lower order in the final over.

Chasing 187, Pakistan suffered early setbacks with Gull Feroza and Sidra Amin departing cheaply. However, a 95-run stand between Muneeba Ali (71) and senior all-rounder Aliya Riaz (68 not out) helped the hosts take charge. Despite some late drama, Aliya held her nerve, guiding Pakistan to 190/4 in 30.4 overs and sealing their second consecutive win in the tournament.

Meanwhile, at the Gaddafi Stadium, a 33-over-a-side contest saw the West Indies post 181/6, riding on crucial knocks from Chinelle Henry (46* off 36) and veteran Stafanie Taylor (46). A vital 87-run stand between Taylor and Zaida James steadied the innings after early blows, before Jane Maguire turned the tide briefly with a three-wicket spell.

Ireland made a solid start with a 57-run opening stand, but Hayley Matthews (4/24) spun a web around their middle order. Amy Hunter top-scored with 48, but the team faltered in the chase, ending at 175 all out in 32.2 overs — falling agonisingly short by just six runs.

With these wins, both Pakistan and West Indies have solidified their campaigns, keeping qualification hopes alive in a tightly contested tournament.

Brief Scores:

Scotland 186/9 in 32 overs (Kathryn Bryce 91, Ailsa Lister 31; Fatima Sana 4-23) lost to Pakistan 190/4 in 30.4 overs (Muneeba Ali 71, Aliya Riaz 68; Chloe Abel 2-42) by 6 wickets*
West Indies 181/6 in 33 overs (Chinelle Henry 46, Stafanie Taylor 46; Jane Maguire 3-35) beat Ireland 175 all out in 32.2 overs (Amy Hunter 48, Laura Delany 32; Hayley Matthews 4-24) by 6 runs*