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Int'l Cricket Council
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
Pakistan make home advantage count in thrilling Qualifier
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier went down to the wire, with the final place at the main event not decided until the very latter stages of the competition. Bangladesh ended up joining Pakistan among the top two but only held on by the skin of their teeth as West Indies narrowly missed out on net run rate, with two early defeats proving costly. Pakistan clear of the competition Pakistan have long been Qualifier specialists, having come through the same route in 2009, 2013 and 2017, and they quickly asserted their authority on home soil. They began with a 38-run victory over Ireland and then saw off Scotland by six wickets, captain Fatima Sana starring with four for 23. A pivotal 65-run win over West Indies put them on the brink of qualification and they sealed their World Cup spot with an 87-run victory against Thailand before closing out an unbeaten competition by beating Bangladesh on the final day. Fatima shone with bat and ball, scoring 103 runs – including an unbeaten 62 against Thailand – and taking 12 wickets at 12.25, while going at fewer than four runs an over. Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali also made valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 225 and 223 runs respectively, while Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal impressed in their bowling attack. Nigar and Sharmin inspire Bangladesh Fatima was not the only skipper to lead from the front, with Nigar Sultana's runs crucial in Bangladesh's success. The skipper reeled off consecutive scores of 101, 51 and 83 not out in Bangladesh's first three matches and it was no coincidence that they went on to win them all. That gave them enough of a cushion – just – that they could afford to lose their final two games and still progress. Nigar did not end the competition as her side's leading run-scorer, however, with that honour going to the consistent Sharmin Akhter. Sharmin scored half-centuries against Thailand (94 not out), Scotland (57) and West Indies (67), finishing with 266 runs at 66.50. West Indies fall just short West Indies paid for a slow start in Pakistan, with their late surge not enough to carry them into the top two. Hayley Matthews could barely have done more to lead her side's bid, setting the tone with an unbeaten century in an 11-run defeat to Scotland which ultimately proved fatal. Matthews finished her competition with a 29-ball 70 as her side chased down 166 inside 11 overs against Thailand, narrowly failing to overhaul Bangladesh's net run rate in the process. She also took a tournament-high 13 wickets, including four for 24 in a six-run win over Ireland, while Aaliyah Alleyne chipped in with 12. But despite an impressive win over Bangladesh and their blitz against Thailand, West Indies left it too late to continue their record of being at every ICC Women's Cricket World Cup since 2000 and will miss out later in the year. Bryce efforts in vain while Ireland and Thailand miss out Scotland may not have made it through but the tournament's top-scorer Kathryn Bryce enjoyed many moments to savour in Lahore. Scores of 91 against Pakistan and 60 against Thailand were followed by a majestic 131 not out against Ireland, her first ODI century. But Bryce's all-round efforts – she also took six wickets across the competition – were not enough to see her side over the line as they failed to build on that eye-catching opening victory over West Indies, losing to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ireland, the latter by one wicket in a final-ball thriller. That result ensured Ireland finished on a high after their hopes had been ended earlier in the competition, narrow defeats against West Indies (by six runs) and Bangladesh (by two wickets) showcasing the fine margins which proved decisive. Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter impressed with the bat for Ireland, while Jane Maguire took three wickets against both Pakistan and West Indies. Thailand ended winless but were competitive, particularly in their matches against Ireland and Scotland. Natthakan Chantham scored two half-centuries while 21-year-old left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong finished with eight wickets at 26.62.
Int'l Cricket Council
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
Test: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier: Guide to the teams
Six teams will battle it out for the remaining two spots at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. From tournament regulars to those hoping to make it for the first time, here is a look at the teams who will be on show. Pakistan The hosts of the 2025 edition of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier are hoping to become the most successful team in the history of the event. In each of the last three editions of the Qualifier, Pakistan have secured their place at the main event. This year, playing a tournament of this nature for the first time on home soil, they will hope to qualify for the fourth consecutive time. Fatima Sana will lead the side, as she did at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup last year, with Shawaal Zulfiqar making a return to the squad for the first time since 2023 after recovering from a shoulder injury. Pakistan will hope for an upturn in fortunes in ODI cricket, having lost recent series to England, the West Indies and New Zealand. Fatima said: 'Leading my country in this prestigious event on home soil is a great honour for me. The team is very excited to step onto the field with a positive mindset and play our best cricket and give our best to secure a place in the World Cup, Inshallah.' Bangladesh Bangladesh are also looking to make it back-to-back qualifications for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup after making their debut in New Zealand three years ago. Led by Nigar Sultana Joty, Bangladesh have played in two ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifiers previously, finishing fifth on each occasion. This time around, only a top-two finish will do but Bangladesh arrive full of confidence after some good recent results. They earned a historic maiden ODI win in the West Indies on their white-ball tour of the Caribbean, with Nigar impressing with the bat while Nahida and Marufa Akter provide plenty of threat with the ball. Prior to that West Indies tour, Bangladesh enjoyed a clean sweep over Ireland in their ODI series and were also victorious in the most recent series against Pakistan, giving Nigar reason to believe that the team can make it all the way to India. She said: 'If we can play well as a team and the batting unit can score runs, since in Pakistan we know there will be batting-friendly surfaces, we know our bowlers will support us.' Ireland It is now 23 years since Ireland won the very first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier and they enter the 2025 edition in Pakistan looking to book their place at the main event once more. Captained by Gaby Lewis, Ireland have a mix of youth and experience as they target a top-two place. While their most recent ODI action was a difficult tour of India, Ireland previously enjoyed some good T20 results away to Bangladesh, while last September, they pulled off a first ODI win over England in more than 20 years. Of the less experienced members of the squad, teenager Kia McCartney was part of the Ireland team at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup in Malaysia earlier this year, while Amy Hunter – who missed that tournament through injury - holds the record of being the youngest-ever century-maker in ODI cricket. Coach Ed Joyce said: 'This tournament will be a great challenge for testing the depth of the senior squad, while we manage a number of player injuries that have been sustained over the last several months. Given the volume of matches and upcoming tournaments, there is a need to develop a wider talent pool of players ready to step up and cope with the demands of international cricket.' Scotland Fresh from their first appearance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup late last year, Scotland will be looking to repeat the trick at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan. Spearheaded by skipper Kathryn Bryce and her wicket-keeper sister Sarah, Scotland return to the Qualifier for the fourth time but have yet to qualify for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. While Scotland will be without all-rounder Saskia Horley and spinner Olivia Bell, they have some new faces who will be tasked with stepping up on the big stage. Pippa Sproule is still just 17 but is included after some fine displays in Malaysia at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, where she finished as Scotland's top run-scorer. Coach Craig Wallace is hopeful the team can kick on after the experience of playing at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. 'The Qualifier's an amazing opportunity, it's great to have the group back together, playing against some excellent teams and really challenging ourselves,' said Wallace. 'We've learned a lot over the last year, with the qualifying campaign for the last T20 World Cup and then playing in that event, and we have that belief and knowledge that we can get through these Qualifiers.' Thailand Naruemol Chaiwai will lead Thailand as they look to qualify for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup for the first time. Thailand take part as one of two Associate Members in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, but they will not be underestimated by their rivals. After all, Thailand have the experience of coming through an ICC Qualifier event, having done so to reach the ICC Women's T20 World Cup back in 2020. Chaiwai was one of the star performers in that tournament, with bowler Chanida Sutthiruang the top wicket-taker at the event with 12 dismissals in five matches at an average of just 5.66. Thailand arrive in Pakistan off the back of some promising displays in T20Is, winning a T20 Tri-Series against Nepal and the Netherlands after they had also won a Quadrangular T20 series in Hong Kong at the end of last year. West Indies Hayley Matthews will lead the West Indies as they look to qualify for a sixth ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in a row, having made it all the way to the semi-finals last time out in New Zealand. The Windies have twice gone through the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, making it to the main event through this method in both 2003 and 2011, and they arrive full of confidence. Even with star all-rounder Deandra Dottin ruled out with injury, the squad is packed with talent, with a recent semi-final appearance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup another indication of how dangerous they can be. Matthews is at the heart of everything they do, while Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry are back after missing the Bangladesh series. Spin pair Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack will be key contributors with the ball. Skipper Matthews said: 'As we head into the World Cup Qualifiers, we know we've prepared well for this moment. The team environment feels like a family, and we've all been enjoying ourselves out on the park. 'We trust our skills and each other and are staying focused on playing our best cricket without any distractions. Winning this is a big goal for us as a team, and we're confident in our chances to perform at a high level.' About the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier is the final step in the qualification pathway to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. The sixth edition of the Qualifier is hosted by Pakistan where matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium and Lahore City Cricket Association. Fans will see teams from four Full Members – Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan and the West Indies – compete with Associate Members Scotland and Thailand in the 15-match league tournament that will decide the two qualifiers for the main event in India later this year. Day matches will begin at 09h30 and day/night matches at 14h00 local time. Media Managers Sipokazi Sokanyile – +971 506401344 Syed Nazir Ahmed - +92 301 846 0019 Shafqat Shabbir - +92 345 173 4588 ENDS
Int'l Cricket Council
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier: Guide to the teams
Six teams will battle it out for the remaining two spots at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. From tournament regulars to those hoping to make it for the first time, here is a look at the teams who will be on show. Pakistan The hosts of the 2025 edition of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier are hoping to become the most successful team in the history of the event. In each of the last three editions of the Qualifier, Pakistan have secured their place at the main event. This year, playing a tournament of this nature for the first time on home soil, they will hope to qualify for the fourth consecutive time. Fatima Sana will lead the side, as she did at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup last year, with Shawaal Zulfiqar making a return to the squad for the first time since 2023 after recovering from a shoulder injury. Pakistan will hope for an upturn in fortunes in ODI cricket, having lost recent series to England, the West Indies and New Zealand. Fatima said: 'Leading my country in this prestigious event on home soil is a great honour for me. The team is very excited to step onto the field with a positive mindset and play our best cricket and give our best to secure a place in the World Cup, Inshallah.' Bangladesh Bangladesh are also looking to make it back-to-back qualifications for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup after making their debut in New Zealand three years ago. Led by Nigar Sultana Joty, Bangladesh have played in two ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifiers previously, finishing fifth on each occasion. This time around, only a top-two finish will do but Bangladesh arrive full of confidence after some good recent results. They earned a historic maiden ODI win in the West Indies on their white-ball tour of the Caribbean, with Nigar impressing with the bat while Nahida and Marufa Akter provide plenty of threat with the ball. Prior to that West Indies tour, Bangladesh enjoyed a clean sweep over Ireland in their ODI series and were also victorious in the most recent series against Pakistan, giving Nigar reason to believe that the team can make it all the way to India. She said: 'If we can play well as a team and the batting unit can score runs, since in Pakistan we know there will be batting-friendly surfaces, we know our bowlers will support us.' Ireland It is now 23 years since Ireland won the very first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier and they enter the 2025 edition in Pakistan looking to book their place at the main event once more. Captained by Gaby Lewis, Ireland have a mix of youth and experience as they target a top-two place. While their most recent ODI action was a difficult tour of India, Ireland previously enjoyed some good T20 results away to Bangladesh, while last September, they pulled off a first ODI win over England in more than 20 years. Of the less experienced members of the squad, teenager Kia McCartney was part of the Ireland team at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup in Malaysia earlier this year, while Amy Hunter – who missed that tournament through injury - holds the record of being the youngest-ever century-maker in ODI cricket. Coach Ed Joyce said: 'This tournament will be a great challenge for testing the depth of the senior squad, while we manage a number of player injuries that have been sustained over the last several months. Given the volume of matches and upcoming tournaments, there is a need to develop a wider talent pool of players ready to step up and cope with the demands of international cricket.' Scotland Fresh from their first appearance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup late last year, Scotland will be looking to repeat the trick at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan. Spearheaded by skipper Kathryn Bryce and her wicket-keeper sister Sarah, Scotland return to the Qualifier for the fourth time but have yet to qualify for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. While Scotland will be without all-rounder Saskia Horley and spinner Olivia Bell, they have some new faces who will be tasked with stepping up on the big stage. Pippa Sproule is still just 17 but is included after some fine displays in Malaysia at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, where she finished as Scotland's top run-scorer. Coach Craig Wallace is hopeful the team can kick on after the experience of playing at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. 'The Qualifier's an amazing opportunity, it's great to have the group back together, playing against some excellent teams and really challenging ourselves,' said Wallace. 'We've learned a lot over the last year, with the qualifying campaign for the last T20 World Cup and then playing in that event, and we have that belief and knowledge that we can get through these Qualifiers.' Thailand Naruemol Chaiwai will lead Thailand as they look to qualify for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup for the first time. Thailand take part as one of two Associate Members in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, but they will not be underestimated by their rivals. After all, Thailand have the experience of coming through an ICC Qualifier event, having done so to reach the ICC Women's T20 World Cup back in 2020. Chaiwai was one of the star performers in that tournament, with bowler Chanida Sutthiruang the top wicket-taker at the event with 12 dismissals in five matches at an average of just 5.66. Thailand arrive in Pakistan off the back of some promising displays in T20Is, winning a T20 Tri-Series against Nepal and the Netherlands after they had also won a Quadrangular T20 series in Hong Kong at the end of last year. West Indies Hayley Matthews will lead the West Indies as they look to qualify for a sixth ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in a row, having made it all the way to the semi-finals last time out in New Zealand. The Windies have twice gone through the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, making it to the main event through this method in both 2003 and 2011, and they arrive full of confidence. Even with star all-rounder Deandra Dottin ruled out with injury, the squad is packed with talent, with a recent semi-final appearance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup another indication of how dangerous they can be. Matthews is at the heart of everything they do, while Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry are back after missing the Bangladesh series. Spin pair Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack will be key contributors with the ball. Skipper Matthews said: 'As we head into the World Cup Qualifiers, we know we've prepared well for this moment. The team environment feels like a family, and we've all been enjoying ourselves out on the park. 'We trust our skills and each other and are staying focused on playing our best cricket without any distractions. Winning this is a big goal for us as a team, and we're confident in our chances to perform at a high level.'
