West Indies Women A Team came close to victory but fell just eight runs short in their tour opener against Pakistan Women A on Tuesday. West Indies 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. Pakistan Women A were inspired by a resolute 62 from Gul Feroza as they clinched the tense contest.
Several West Indies batters got solid starts but were unable to carry on to a match-winning performance. Shabika Gajnabi led the way with 29, captain Rashada Williams made 27, opener Shunelle Sawh got 22, and Sheneta Grimmond added 20. They appeared on track for a strong finish when they reached 100-2 in the 24th over, but five wickets fell 24 in the span of 67 balls, and the lower order was left with too much to do.
Earlier in the match, fast bowler Cherry-Ann Fraser was the most successful bowler for West Indies, taking 3-38 from 6.3 overs, and off-spinner Zaida James supported with 2-29 from her allotted 10 overs after the visitors chose to field.
The teams will meet again in the second match of the series which will be played on Thursday at the same venue. The first ball is at 9 am local time (12 midnight Eastern Caribbean/11 pm Wednesday Jamaica).
Full match schedule
24 October – 1st 50-over match: Pakistan A won by 8 runs at Ghani Institute for Cricket
26 October – 2nd 50-over match at Ghani Institute for Cricket
29 October – 3rd 50-over match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore