It hasn’t been the best of the ongoing ICC Women World Cup 2022 for Pakistan as they lost their opening four matches.
However, the Women in Green were able to register their maiden win of the ODI showpiece after they defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the 20th match of the tournament at the Seddon Park, Hamilton on Monday.
Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof was more relieved than happy after her team finally won their first contest of the quadrennial event. Pakistan came up with a fine bowling show after Maroof won the toss and decided to bowl first.
West Indies were restricted to 87-6 as the match was reduced to 20 overs after rain interruption. Nida Dar was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers as she returned with impressive figures of 4-10 in her quota of four overs.
On the other hand, Muneeba Ali scored a fine knock of 37 runs whereas Bismah Maroof and Omaima Sohail scored 20 and 22 runs respectively in the run-chase.
Bismah Maroof said in the post-match presentation, “A sigh of relief firstly. We wanted this win badly. We came close but couldn’t get over the line. Credit to everyone and we would like to think ahead and move upwards. We just wanted to enjoy the game, think of the process and not the result.
It was just about picking balls where we could hit. Muneeba was brilliant and Omaima and me just wanted to finish the game in the end. We wanted this win. We have spoken about our mistakes in the group and we would like to take this momentum forward.”
Meanwhile, Nida Dar was awarded the Player of the Match for her fine spell as she troubled the West Indies batters right throughout the innings. Dar dedicated the win to all the Pakistanis.
She said after the game, “All day we were watching the weather. We desperately needed this win. I was only thinking of bowling in good areas. I am happy to play the role. As a senior, we know we are role models in the side. We work on pressure situations. Shahid Afridi is my favorite player and after that Shaheen is my favorite, so I celebrate like them. It’s an inspiration (first win in 13 years in World Cups) for all the girls who are looking up to us. A much-needed win, this win goes to all Pakistanis.”
Pakistan Women will next face England at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Thursday.
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