Pakistan into ICC Women's World Cup, West Indies keep fighting

West Indies kept themselves in contention for an ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 spot with a win over Bangladesh, whereas Pakistan confirmed their place after overcoming Thailand.

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Pakistan defend modest total to qualify for the Women's Cricket World Cup Batting first in Lahore, Pakistan got off to a below-par start after top-order batters Shawaal Zulfiqar (6), Muneeba Ali (18), and Aliya Riaz (7) failed to make a significant impact at the start of the innings, leaving them tottering at 47/3 at the brink of the 20th over.

Sidra Amin's resilience joined hands with Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana's intent, and the duo stitched together 97 runs after taking over from 85/4. Amin helped herself to a well-made 80 off 105, which included nine boundaries to get Pakistan back on their feet.

Skipper Sana also pitched in with a crucial unbeaten 62 off 59 a knock that included six fours and a maximum to get Pakistan past the 200-run mark.

Thipatcha Putthawong's two-wicket haul, combined with a wicket apiece from Onnicha Kamchomphu and Phannita Maya meant that the hosts ended their innings at 205/6, leaving Thailand needing 206 to grab their first win of the Qualifier.

And despite an early stutter, the loss of Chanida Sutthiruang for just five runs, Thailand made a positive start in the chase, adding 44 runs in the first powerplay. However, Fatima Sana got Nattaya Boochatham to edge one behind the wicket, while Nannapat Koncharoenkai was clean bowled by Rameen Shamim in a space of three deliveries. Pakistan took control thereafter, and didn't allow any of the Thailand batters to settle by getting regular breakthroughs.