Pakistan showcased a commanding performance with both bat and ball. Fatima Sana’s remarkable four-wicket haul, along with impressive half-centuries from Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz, propelled the Green Shirts to a convincing six-wicket victory over Scotland. The match was part of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier, held at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on Friday.

Scotland, after being put in to bat in a contest shortened by rain, managed to post a competitive 186/9 in their allotted 32 overs. The innings was largely propped up by a resilient knock from their captain, Kathryn Bryce.

The Scottish innings began shakily, with openers Abbi Aitken-Drummond (1) and Pippa Sproul (9) falling early, leaving the team at 17/2 within the first five overs.

Bryce, coming in at number three, stabilized the innings and led the batting effort, eventually scoring a brilliant 91 off 96 balls, including 10 fours and a six. She formed significant partnerships with Sarah Bryce (21) and Ailsa Lister (31), aiding her side in reaching a respectable total.

Fatima Sana was the standout performer for Pakistan, claiming 4/23 in her five overs. Sadia Iqbal supported well with two wickets, while Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig each took one.

In response, Pakistan successfully chased down the target of 187, securing a six-wicket victory with eight balls remaining. The chase was anchored by determined half-centuries from Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz.

Pakistan faced an early setback, slumping to 36/2 in the eighth over. However, Muneeba and Aliya then forged a crucial 93-run partnership for the third wicket. Muneeba was eventually dismissed in the 24th over, having scored a fluent 71 off 72 balls, decorated with 10 boundaries, including a six.

Aliya then briefly partnered with skipper Fatima Sana (7) before completing the chase alongside Sidra Nawaz (14*). Aliya remained unbeaten on 68 from 70 balls, hitting seven fours and a six.

For Scotland, Chloe Abel took two wickets but conceded 42 runs in her six overs. Kathryn Fraser and Rachel Slater each claimed one wicket.

This victory propelled Pakistan to the top of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier standings, with four points from two matches, while Scotland remained in third place.