Lahore, April 11, 2025: A stellar all-round performance from Fatima Sana, combined with commanding half-centuries by Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz, propelled Pakistan Women to a six-wicket victory over Scotland in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier match at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on Friday.
In a rain-curtailed contest reduced to 32 overs per side, Scotland posted 186/9, thanks to a resilient 91-run knock by captain Kathryn Bryce. Coming in at number three, Bryce anchored the innings with a 96-ball effort featuring 10 fours and a six, sharing vital stands with Sarah Bryce (21) and Ailsa Lister (31).
Pakistan’s bowlers put in a disciplined effort, led by Fatima Sana, who claimed 4/23 in five overs. Sadia Iqbal took two wickets, while Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig picked up one apiece.
Chasing 187, the hosts recovered from an early wobble at 36/2 to chase down the target with eight balls to spare and six wickets in hand.
Muneeba Ali (71 off 72 balls, 10x4s, 1×6) and Aliya Riaz (68 off 70, 7x4s, 1×6)* stitched together a match-winning 93-run partnership for the third wicket, anchoring the innings after the early loss of openers.
After Muneeba’s dismissal in the 24th over, Aliya continued the momentum, forming a short but crucial stand with captain Fatima Sana (7) and later steering Pakistan home with Sidra Nawaz, who remained unbeaten on 14 off 11.
Scotland’s Chloe Abel picked up two wickets, though she proved expensive, conceding 42 runs in six overs. Katherine Fraser and Rachel Slater bagged one wicket each.
With this victory, Pakistan secured their second consecutive win, maintaining their unbeaten streak and reclaiming the top spot in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier standings with four points from two matches. Scotland, meanwhile, sit at third in the table.
