Pakistan Struggles in Warm-Up Matches Ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup
Pakistan’s women’s cricket team has hit a rough patch in England, losing both their warm-up matches before the Women’s T20 World Cup. Their first match saw them suffer a heavy defeat against Sri Lanka, where they lost by nine wickets after failing to defend a total of 169 runs.
However, their second loss was particularly difficult to swallow. Scotland dominated the game, defeating Pakistan by 41 runs using the DLS method at the County Ground in Derby. Kathryn Bryce made headlines with her exceptional batting performance, scoring an impressive 94 runs off just 43 balls. She reached her half-century in a mere 28 deliveries, including 11 fours and three sixes.
Scotland batted first, finishing with a total of 191 for five. Along with Bryce, Darcey Carter contributed a solid 45, while Katherine Fraser added 19 runs. Despite Tasmia Rubab, Sadia Iqbal, and Ayesha Zafar taking one wicket each, they struggled to contain Bryce’s powerful innings.
Batting Struggles for Pakistan
Pakistan’s batting line-up faced significant challenges during their chase. They quickly found themselves in trouble at 28 for three within just 4.1 overs, primarily due to left-arm seamer Rachel Slater’s outstanding bowling. Key players like Gull Feroza, Saira Jabeen, and Ayesha Zafar all fell short of double figures. Muneeba Ali, who has two T20I centuries to her name, briefly provided hope with 22 runs, but her wicket fell to Bryce.
Iram Javed looked promising until she was dismissed by Chloe Abel. Captain Fatima Sana tried to rally her team with a quick 12 runs off seven balls, but rain eventually halted the game.
While Pakistan recently secured a win against Zimbabwe at home, their performance in the tri-series in Ireland raised concerns, as they failed to clinch a single victory. In one match, Ireland chased down 177 runs with ease, highlighting gaps in Pakistan’s bowling.
Having lost both warm-up games, Pakistan now faces a tough road ahead. They kick off their World Cup campaign against India on June 14, followed by challenging matches against six-time champions Australia and 2024 runners-up South Africa.
