Pakistan seal ICC Women's World Cup spot after beating Thailand in qualifier
Opting to bat first at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan posted a competitive 205 for 6 in 50 overs, anchored by a composed 80-run knock from opener Sidra Amin, who struck nine boundaries in her 105-ball stay.
Pakistan's top order wobbled early, slipping to 85 for 4, with Shawaal Zulfiqar (6), Muneeba Ali (18), Aliya Riaz (7), and Sidra Nawaz (11) falling cheaply. However, a match-turning 97-run stand off 95 balls between Sidra and skipper Fatima Sana revived the innings.
Captain Fatima Sana remained unbeaten on 62 off 59 balls, hitting six fours and a six, accelerating the scoring rate in the final overs and guiding Pakistan past the 200-mark.
Thailand's bowlers kept things tight for much of the innings, with Thipatcha Putthawong returning figures of 2 for 26, while Maya and Kamchomphu chipped in with a wicket apiece.
In response, Thailand were bowled out for 118 in 34.4 overs, unable to handle Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack. Fatima Sana starred again with the ball, claiming 3 for 33 in 8 overs.
Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim were equally effective, taking three wickets each to dismantle Thailand's batting lineup.
No Thai batter managed to reach 20, with Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scoring with 19. Only three others reached double digits as regular wickets disrupted any hopes of a chase.
This win marked Pakistan's fourth consecutive victory in the qualifiers, securing their spot in the 2025 Women's World Cup and reaffirming their form heading into the mega event.
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