The West Indies Women suffered a five-wicket defeat to Pakistan in their final warm-up match ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, as the Caribbean side failed to defend a modest total of 188 at the Sunrise Sports Club on Monday.
Despite a resilient unbeaten 68 from middle-order batter Shabika Gajnabi and a solid 41-run contribution from Jannillea Glasgow, the West Indies innings never fully gained momentum and closed at 188-8 from their allotted 50 overs. Pakistan chased down the target with 23 balls to spare, continuing their impressive form ahead of the qualifiers.
Batting first after winning the toss, the West Indies were quickly in trouble at 16-3 after losing openers Rashada Williams (5) and Qiana Joseph (1) cheaply, along with Zaida James (6). Veteran Stafanie Taylor tried to rebuild but was dismissed for 17, and the slide continued with Mandy Mangru falling for six soon after.
At 36-5, the innings looked in jeopardy until Gajnabi and Glasgow combined for a 70-run partnership that brought some respectability to the total. Gajnabi's 68 off 77 balls included seven boundaries, while Glasgow played a fluent knock of 41 from 50 deliveries.
Pakistan’s bowling was led by left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, who was miserly and incisive, finishing with 3-21 from her 10 overs. She found good support from Nashra Sandhu, who claimed 2-47, while Fatima Sana, Diana Baig, and Rameen Shamim each took one wicket.
In reply, Pakistan showed no signs of panic in their chase. Vice-captain Muneeba Ali anchored the innings with a composed 87 from 113 balls, well supported by Natalia Parvaiz, who stroked a 53 off just 60 deliveries. The pair shared a key partnership that effectively took the game away from the West Indies.
Gull Feroza chipped in with a handy 28 to ensure Pakistan crossed the line comfortably at 192-5.
This result marked Pakistan’s second win in as many warm-up matches, following their dominant victory over Thailand last week. They will now head into the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier brimming with confidence, set to face Ireland in the tournament opener on April 9.
Meanwhile, the West Indies, who face Scotland on the same day, will need to regroup quickly, especially in their top order, which struggled against disciplined bowling.
The top two teams from the Qualifier will advance to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, joining already-qualified sides Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Photo: CWI Media