Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team has officially secured their place at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with an emphatic 87-run victory over Thailand at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This marks Pakistan’s fourth consecutive win in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifier, showcasing their consistent dominance throughout the tournament.
Sidra Amin and Fatima Sana Shine:
Opting to bat first, Pakistan faced early setbacks, losing openers Shawaal Zulfiqar and Muneeba Ali with just 32 runs on the board. However, it was the experienced Sidra Amin and captain Fatima Sana who anchored the innings and steered Pakistan out of trouble.
Sidra Amin crafted a responsible 80-run innings, building momentum after the team slipped to 47 for three. Her steady presence helped stitch a 97-run partnership with Fatima Sana, who played a captain’s knock with an unbeaten 62 off 59 balls. The duo’s partnership pushed Pakistan to a defendable total of 205 for six in 50 overs.
Fatima’s innings, featuring aggressive running between the wickets and smart boundary placement, underlined her growing stature as a reliable all-rounder. With Pakistan’s total crossing the psychological 200-run mark, the pressure was now on Thailand to chase under lights at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
Clinical Pakistan Bowling Unit Bundles Out Thailand for 118
Thailand’s chase got off to a poor start with Chanida Sutthiruang stumped early off Sadia Iqbal. Despite attempts to stabilize the innings by Nattaya Boochatham and Nannapat Koncharoenkai, wickets fell regularly due to a well-coordinated Pakistan bowling attack.
Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu led the charge, claiming three wickets each, while Fatima Sana chipped in with two crucial scalps. Thailand’s top and middle-order batters, including skipper Naruemol Chaiwai and experienced Natthakan Chantham, failed to resist the pressure, leaving the team crumbling to 118 all out in 34.4 overs.
This dominant win not only secures Pakistan’s place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India but also reinforces their position as a rising force in women’s cricket.
At the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground, the West Indies Women’s Team edged past Bangladesh in a tense three-wicket victory, keeping their qualification hopes for the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 alive.
Alleyne and Henry Power Windies Comeback
Bangladesh, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, got off to a strong start, riding on a 118-run second-wicket stand between Fargana Hoque (42) and Sharmin Akhter (67). However, the game turned in West Indies’ favor thanks to a stunning spell by Aaliyah Alleyne, who returned with career-best figures of 4 for 39.
Alleyne’s double strike in the 26th over — dismissing both set batters — derailed Bangladesh’s momentum. Further contributions by Afy Fletcher (2 wickets) and Hayley Matthews (2 wickets) limited Bangladesh to 227 for nine in 50 overs despite some late cameos from Nahida Akter (25) and Rabeya Khan (23).
In reply, the West Indies batting unit weathered early pressure, losing Zaida James (9) and Shemaine Campbelle (13) within the first 20 overs. But it was the veteran pairing of Stafanie Taylor (36) and Hayley Matthews (33) who laid the foundation for the chase with a composed 63-run partnership.
When both Taylor and Matthews fell in quick succession to Marufa Akter, the game was finely poised. But the calm and composed Chinelle Henry rose to the occasion, smashing a match-winning 51 off 48 balls* to seal the victory with four overs to spare.
Pakistan Leads the Pack
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier serves as the final gateway to the prestigious Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India. Hosted in Lahore, Pakistan, the tournament features four Full Member teams — Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Ireland — alongside Associate Members Thailand and Scotland.
A total of 15 matches are being played across two venues — Gaddafi Stadium and the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. Only the top two teams from the round-robin league will advance to the main event, making each game critically important.
With four straight wins, Pakistan has emerged as the first team to confirm qualification, delighting fans with dominant all-round performances. Meanwhile, the West Indies Women’s Team remains in the race, needing one more win to boost their chances after bouncing back against Bangladesh.
Player Performances of the Day
Sidra Amin (Pakistan)
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Runs: 80
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Impact: Anchored Pakistan’s innings under pressure, playing a crucial role in securing a defendable total.
Fatima Sana (Pakistan)
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Runs: 62* (59 balls) | Wickets: 2
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Impact: Delivered a true captain’s performance with both bat and ball.
Aaliyah Alleyne (West Indies)
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Figures: 4/39
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Impact: Game-changer with the ball, breaking Bangladesh’s backbone during a crucial phase.
Chinelle Henry (West Indies)
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Runs: 51* (48 balls)
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Impact: Kept her nerve to guide the West Indies to a must-win victory under pressure.
Scores in Brief
Pakistan vs Thailand – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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Pakistan: 205/6 in 50 overs (Sidra Amin 80, Fatima Sana 62*)
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Thailand: 118 all out in 34.4 overs (Rameen Shamim 3/18, Nashra Sandhu 3/19)
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Result: Pakistan won by 87 runs
Bangladesh vs West Indies – LCCA Ground, Lahore
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Bangladesh: 227/9 in 50 overs (Sharmin Akhter 67, Fargana Hoque 42; Aaliyah Alleyne 4/39)
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West Indies: 228/7 in 46 overs (Chinelle Henry 51*, Stafanie Taylor 36)
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Result: West Indies won by 3 wickets
With Pakistan already through, the remaining teams are fighting for the final qualification spot. The next set of fixtures will be crucial, particularly for Bangladesh, West Indies, and Ireland, all of whom are vying for that coveted second place.
Upcoming Matches:
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Ireland vs Thailand
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Bangladesh vs Scotland
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West Indies vs Ireland
A New Era for Pakistan Women’s Cricket
Pakistan’s emphatic qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 signals a new chapter for women’s cricket in the country. Under the dynamic leadership of Fatima Sana, and with emerging talents like Rameen Shamim, Sidra Amin, and Nashra Sandhu, the team looks well-prepared to make a mark in India later this year.
With rising fan engagement, improved infrastructure, and consistent performances, Pakistan Women’s Cricket is ready for the global stage. The countdown to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has officially begun, and Pakistan has already made their first statement loud and clear.
