Nida Dar Sets New Record Despite Pakistan’s Loss

ENG v PAK, Second T20I, Scorecard

Nida Dar surpassed Australia’s Megan Schutt’s record of 136 wickets, becoming the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20I on Friday, 17 May. She is the only Pakistani woman to feature in the top 10 list.

Starting the game with 135 wickets, the Pakistan skipper and all-rounder had previously come close to this milestone during Pakistan’s home series against the West Indies earlier in the month.

Despite not taking any wickets in the first encounter against England in Birmingham, which Pakistan lost by 53 runs, Dar managed to achieve this feat in the second match.

Leading Wicket-Takers in Women’s T20Is

England, opting to bat first, scored a modest 144/6 with notable contributions from Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Pakistan’s bowlers were largely successful in restricting the run flow and taking wickets at regular intervals.

Dar first equalled Schutt’s record by taking the wicket of Capsey in the 12th over and then surpassed it by dismissing Amy Jones in the last over, courtesy of a stumping by wicket-keeper Muneeba Ali.

Pakistan, however, struggled to build partnerships during their chase. Despite some resistance from Muneeba and Aliya Riaz, they could not withstand the English bowlers.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for just 79, resulting in a 65-run victory for England and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The final T20I will be played in Leeds on Sunday, 19 May. Following this, the two teams will compete in a three-match ODI series from 23 to 29 May.