Pakistan ended their 13-year wait for a win at Women's World Cup 2022 in a rain-curtailed match against West Indies on March 21. Since 2009, Pakistan had lost 18 matches in the tournament including four matches in this edition. Their bowling performed in patches but their batting was too inconsistent to ensure wins at the biggest stage. Bismah Maroof-led Pakistan put an end to the long-running losing streak against one of the most unpredictable sides of the tournament.
Pakistan desperately needed a win and the weather conditions in Hamilton almost ensured it. However, 20 overs per side game became possible and Pakistan bowlers stood upto the task after Bismah won the toss and elected to field first.
Pakistan spinners choked Caribbean batters as they struggled to get the strike turning over on a damp pitch. Apart from Deandra Dottin, no other batter looked like she was in control. Deandra (27) also could not maintain a healthy strike rate. In the middle and death overs, West Indies tried to accelerate but lost too many wickets. Only Afy Fletcher impressed with a mini 7-ball 12 cameo to help her team post 89/7 on the board.
For Pakistan, while Anam Amin tied down the batters in the powerplay overs, Nida Dar took four wickets to increase West Indies' trouble. Anam bowled a maiden and conceded just six runs from her four overs whereas Nida conceded 10 runs and picked up four wickets.
The run chase got off to a decent start as Muneeba Ali looked in control of her shots. On the other end, Sidra Ameen could not cope with the dot ball pressure and got out after scoring eight runs. Skipper Bismah brought some calm to the proceedings and even Muneeba’s wicket in the 13th over did not lead to a panic situation. Bismah and Omaima Sohail held their nerves and finished the match in the penultimate over with seven balls to spare.
The celebrations turned emotional as Pakistan went without a win for more than a decade. The win also helped India’s chances of reaching the semi-final despite three defeats in the tournament so far.
“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,” Bismah said after the match.
“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,” the 31-year-old added.
