Crucial ICC Women’s Championship Points at Stake as Pakistan and West Indies Clash
The Nida Dar-led Pakistan team, currently fifth on the IWC points table with 16 points from 18 games, is set to face off against the West Indies, captained by Hayley Matthews, who are ninth with 8 points from 9 games.
In their recent championship outing, Pakistan had a thrilling three-game series in New Zealand. Despite losing the first ODI by 131 runs in Queenstown, they pushed the Kiwis to the limit in the second ODI, losing by a single wicket. The third ODI saw Pakistan clinch their first-ever victory over the White Ferns in Women’s ODIs in a Super Over thriller.
Pakistan defeat New Zealand for the first time in New Zealand in Women’s ODIs after a Super Over thriller in Christchurch
The hosts have taken the series 2-1.#PAKvNZ | : https://t.co/73hNQO7qiK pic.twitter.com/GQMUV9W5G6
The West Indies last featured in the championship during their tour of Australia. Despite showing impressive form in the T20I series, which Australia won 2-1, the Windies couldn’t replicate their performance in the ODIs, losing the three-game series 2-0. However, Aaliyah Alleyne, the second-highest run-getter in the series with 67 runs, was a standout performer for the West Indies.
IWC Points Table
With a gap of eight points on the table, both teams have a lot riding on the upcoming series in Karachi from 18-23 April. The top five teams, along with hosts India, will earn direct qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Historically, the Women in Maroon have had the upper hand over Pakistan in the ODI format, with 24 wins and 10 losses in their 34 previous encounters.
Pakistan captain Nida Dar expressed confidence in her team’s chances, attributing it to their rigorous preparation for the series.
“We have worked really hard for the upcoming series, knowing the significance it holds for our journey for direct qualification to the ICC Women’s World Cup,” Dar said. “The training camp before the series was intense, and our coaches left no stone unturned in refining our skills and strengthening our fitness levels.
“West Indies may have a good track record against us in ODIs, but we have been playing some excellent cricket lately, and we are eager to continue that trend in the upcoming series. Our goal is to build on our recent successes and deliver strong performances against a tough opponent.”
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews acknowledged Pakistan’s prowess at home but remained confident that her team was well-prepared for the upcoming series.
“Pakistan are a dangerous opponent, especially on their home turf,” noted Hayley Matthews. “They have a talented squad capable of turning the game around at any moment. We are up for the challenge, and we are determined to execute our game plan to come out on top.
“The one-week training camp in Dubai provided us with the perfect platform to refine our skills ahead of the all-important ICC Women’s Championship matches against Pakistan. As we have arrived in Karachi and had a good couple of sessions, our focus now shifts to adapting to the local conditions to do well in the series.”
Pakistan ODI squad
Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar
West Indies ODI squad
Hayley Matthews (c), Shemaine Campbelle (vc), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Chedean Nation, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Jannillea Glasgow, Karishma Ramharack, Kate Wilmott, Qiana Joseph, Rashada Williams, Shamilia Connell, Stafanie Taylor and Zaida James
ODI series schedule:
First ODI, 18 April, 09:30 am local time
Second ODI, 21 April, 09:30 am local time
Third ODI, 23 April, 15:30 pm local time
The ODIs will be followed by a five-game T20I series from 26 April – 3 May, also to be played in Karachi.