Pakistan women go down fighting against West Indies

West Indies women team launched its campaign in World Twenty20 on a winning note, defeating Pakistan by four runs in Chennai on Wednesday.

West Indies were restricted to 103-8 after being sent in to bat by Pakistan. In reply, West Indies limited Pakistan to 99-5 in 20 overs to see a nail-biting finish at the Chidambaram stadium.

Pakistan needed 12 runs from the final over but seamer Deandra Dottin conceded only seven runs to seal a 4-run victory for Windies.

Pakistan’s Anam Amin starred with excellent figures of 4 wickets for 16 runs in her four overs. She was given the ‘player-of-the-match’ award. Sadia Yousuf also took 2 for 14.

West Indies off-spinner Anisa Mohammed picked up 3 wickets to ensure Pakistan’s batters were not allowed to settle down on a slow turning track.

Earlier, Stafanie Taylor anchored West Indies innings with 40 runs, but none of her team-mates managed to reach 20.

Pakistan lost opener Javeria Khan in the first over after she was hit on lower jaw and was taken off the field. Bismah Maroof top-scored with 22 and Asmavia Iqbal made 19 to keep Pakistan’s chances alive till the end.

“It was a good game of cricket, a very close game.  We may have lost but I am happy with the way the girls performed,” said Pakistan’s captain Sana Mir.

Pakistan women will now play India in New Delhi on Saturday.

Summarised scores:

West Indies beat Pakistan by four runs in Chennai

West Indies 103-8, 20 overs (Stafanie Taylor 40; Anam Amin 4-16, Sadia Yousuf 2-14)

Pakistan 99-5, 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 22, Sidra Ameen 20, Asmavia Iqbal 19 not out, Sana Mir 18, Anisa Mohammed 3-25)