LAHORE: West Indies extended their dominant run in the women’s T20I tri-series, clinching a 25-run victory over Pakistan at the Castle Avenue Cricket Ground on Friday afternoon.
Defending a formidable total of 199-6, the West Indies withstood a spirited but fragmented chase from Pakistan, who were restricted to 174-8.
The victory marks the second consecutive win for the West Indies, following their eight-wicket triumph over hosts Ireland on Thursday.
The match belonged to Chinelle Henry, whose crucial late-innings cameo and lethal opening spell earned her the Player of the Match honors. Walking in at number six, Henry smashed a rapid 17-ball 33 to propel the West Indies near the 200-run mark.
She then turned the game on its head with the ball, dismantling Pakistan’s top order by dismissing openers Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar within the first four overs of the chase, leaving Pakistan reeling at 28-3.
Earlier in the day, West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews won the toss and elected o bat, providing a blazing start with a 20-ball 40 that included nine boundaries. Pakistan’s bowlers briefly dragged themselves back into the contest with three quick wickets in the space of 18 balls. Diana Baig removed Matthews, Nashra Sundhu bowled Deandra Dottin (17), and Rameen Shamim dismissed Qiana Joseph, leaving the Windies at 66-3.
With the dismissal of Jahzara Claxton, left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu claimed her 74th WT20I wicket, overtaking Sadia Iqbal (73) to become Pakistan’s third highest all-time wicket-taker in the format.
Despite the breakthrough, a 54-run partnership between Stafanie Taylor (39) and Claxton (17) stabilized the innings. However, the true damage was done late by number seven batter Jannillea Glasgow (42 off 25 balls) and Henry, who combined for a devastating 65-run partnership to finish the innings at 199-6.
Faced with a massive target, Pakistan’s middle order showed incredible fight. Saira Jabeen counter-attacked fiercely, smashing four boundaries in the final over of the powerplay before falling for a 19-ball 30.
Iram Javed (24) kept hopes alive through partnerships with Rameen Shamim (18) and Aliya Riaz (37). When the asking rate skyrocketed, Fatima Sana injected late drama by striking two massive sixes and a boundary in a frantic 14-ball 27.
