Windies Women A lose close opener to Pakistan

LAHORE, Pakistan (CMC):

WEST INDIES Women A failed to ease concerns about the batting depth in the Caribbean, and Pakistan Women A, inspired by a resolute 62 from Gul Feroza, clinched a tense, eight-run win in the first One-day match of their series yesterday.

The Caribbean side were bowled out for 166 in 45.2 overs, replying to the Pakistanis’ 174 all out off 49.3 overs in the match contested at the Ghani Glass Ground, and trail 1-0 in the three-match series.

A handful of West Indies Women A batters got starts, but none carried on – Shabika Gajnabi led the way with 29, their captain Rashada Williams made 27, opener Shunelle Sawh got 22, and Sheneta Grimmond added 20 – and wickets fell every time it appeared a partnership was building.

The visitors appeared on track for a strong finish when they reached 100 for two in the 24th over, but five wickets fell for 24 runs in the span of 67 balls, and there was not enough gas left in the lower order to get them over the finish line.

Saima Malik, Anosha Nasir, and their captain Rameen Shamin grabbed two wickets apiece for Pakistan to undermine the West Indies Women A batting, after Feroza, batting at three, hit only four fours from 101 balls to anchor the hosts to a respectable, if not overpowering total.

Pacer Cherry-Ann Fraser was the most successful bowler for the Caribbean side, taking three for 38 from 6.3 overs, and off-spinner Zaida James supported with two for 29 from her allotted 10 overs, after the visitors chose to field.

The second match of the series will be played on Thursday at the same venue.