LAHORE: Rameen Shamim-led Pakistan Women A and Rashada Williams-led West Indies Women A met at the Ghani Glass Ground here for the first one-day game, kicking off the three-match series between the two sides. The home team defended a low total of 174 runs, inflicting a narrow eight-run defeat over the visitors.

West Indies Women A won the toss and invited the home side to bat first. Right-handed batter Gull Feroza’s half-century (62, 101b, 4x4s) allowed Pakistan Women A to get to 174 before being dismissed in 49.3 overs. The second-best batter during the innings was young opening batter Shawaal Zulfiqar, who scored 17 from 40 balls and hit two boundaries.

Right-arm pacer Cherry-Ann Fraser returned with three wickets and left-arm orthodox spinner Zaida James picked up two wickets. In return, West Indies Women A were dismissed for 166 in 45.2 overs, falling nine runs short of the target.

Right-handed batter Shabika Gajnabi (29, 44b, 3x4s) was the highest scorer for the touring side. The captain, Rashada Williams, was squarely behind Shabika producing 27 in 39 balls, including two fours.

Despite the low total, the Rameen-led spin attack ensured that West Indies Women A did not get comfortable in the chase. Two wickets each by Saima Malik, Anosha Nasir and the skipper herself helped restrict the visitors in their pursuit of the target, as the side was bowled out in the 46th over.

The second one-day match between Pakistan Women A and West Indies Women A will be played on 26 October at Ghani Glass Ground, Lahore.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 25 2023

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