Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Scotland by six wickets in a rain-reduced ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier match at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on Friday.
Fast bowler Fatima Sana led the way with the ball, claiming 4-23 in five overs, while batters Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz struck fluent half-centuries to steer the hosts to victory.
Scotland, put in to bat in the 32-overs-per-side contest, posted a competitive 186-9, thanks largely to a captain’s knock from Kathryn Bryce.
Coming in at No. 3, Bryce top-scored with 91 off 96 balls, including 10 fours and a six. She anchored partnerships with Sarah Bryce (21) and Ailsa Lister (31) to lift her team from a shaky 17-2 start.
In response, Pakistan overcame early setbacks to chase down the target with eight balls remaining.
After being reduced to 36-2, Muneeba (71 off 72) and Aliya (68 not out off 70) combined for a 93-run third-wicket stand to set the foundation for the win. Wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz remained unbeaten on 14 to finish the chase alongside Aliya.
Chloe Abel took 2-42 for Scotland, while Kathryn Fraser and Rachel Slater picked up a wicket each.
The win moves Pakistan to the top of the group with four points from two matches. Scotland remains in third place.
