ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier – Pakistan and Bangladesh Qualify in Thriller

Pakistan Shine at Home to Clinch ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualification in Lahore Thriller

Summary
In an electrifying edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier, Pakistan proved yet again that home advantage matters, going unbeaten through the tournament and securing a well-earned spot at the main event. Bangladesh also qualified, narrowly edging out West Indies on net run rate in what turned out to be one of the tightest finishes in the tournament's history. Led by the exceptional Fatima Sana, Pakistan displayed dominance in both batting and bowling departments, finishing with a clean sweep of victories and solidifying their status as Qualifier experts.

Scorecard
Pakistan: 5 wins (vs Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Thailand, Bangladesh)
Top Players: Fatima Sana (12 wickets, 103 runs), Sidra Amin (225 runs), Muneeba Ali (223 runs)
Bangladesh: 3 wins (vs Thailand, Scotland, Ireland), Qualified on Net Run Rate
West Indies: Missed qualification despite big wins late in the tournament
Scotland: Strong individual performances, notably Kathryn Bryce, but fell short
Ireland & Thailand: Competitive but unable to convert performances into qualification

Fatima Sana Leads Pakistan to Unbeaten Qualification Campaign

When the stakes are high, champions find a way and Pakistan women’s cricket team have made that a habit when it comes to ICC qualifying events. Playing on home turf, Pakistan brought intensity, experience, and composure to seal their place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Captain Fatima Sana not only led by example but dominated with both bat and ball. Her bowling was lethal and economical, taking 12 wickets at an average of just over 12, while she also contributed vital runs, including an unbeaten 62 against Thailand.

Pakistan’s campaign kicked off with a 38-run victory over Ireland, before overcoming Scotland by six wickets. The turning point, however, came in their comprehensive 65-run win over West Indies a side many had tipped as favorites. That victory essentially knocked the Caribbean side out of contention and solidified Pakistan’s dominance in the tournament.

Finishing strong, Pakistan sealed qualification with an 87-run win over Thailand before putting the cherry on top by defeating Bangladesh in the final round, a match that had no bearing on their qualification but plenty on their momentum.

Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali Anchor Pakistan’s Batting

Much of Pakistan’s calmness came from their top-order stability. Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali were exceptional in building strong platforms, scoring 225 and 223 runs respectively. Their consistency allowed the middle order to play freely, and together, they formed the backbone of Pakistan’s success in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier. The openers took on new-ball bowlers effectively and played spin with ease, particularly on the slower pitches at Lahore’s National Bank Stadium.

With Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal supporting Fatima in the bowling department, Pakistan had a full-unit performance every game an indication that they’re not just Qualifier experts but real contenders for the World Cup.

Bangladesh Scrape Through in Dramatic Fashion

Bangladesh fans were on the edge of their seats as their qualification hopes came down to net run rate. Winning their first three matches gave them early momentum, thanks largely to the efforts of captain Nigar Sultana and batter Sharmin Akhter. Nigar kicked off with scores of 101, 51, and 83*, showing remarkable temperament and adaptability. Her leadership ensured Bangladesh overcame early nerves and capitalized on the experience of playing in subcontinental conditions.

Sharmin, on the other hand, was the definition of consistency. Her unbeaten 94 against Thailand was a masterclass in anchoring an innings, and her contributions across the tournament ensured Bangladesh had the runs needed to boost their net run rate ultimately the metric that saw them edge out West Indies.

Despite losses in their final two games against West Indies and Pakistan Bangladesh had already done just enough to book their World Cup ticket.

West Indies Left to Regret Slow Start Despite Matthews’ Brilliance

The biggest heartbreak of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier belonged to West Indies, who fought valiantly but paid for their early defeats. Captain Hayley Matthews was in unstoppable form. She not only scored a tournament-defining 100* in a losing cause against Scotland but also topped the wicket charts with 13 scalps.

Matthews’ blistering 70 off 29 against Thailand in their final match was an all-or-nothing attempt to boost West Indies' net run rate. They did win the match, and convincingly, but not by a big enough margin to qualify.

Aaliyah Alleyne’s 12 wickets gave the West Indies attack real edge, but their middle-order collapses and inability to win key moments early in the tournament sealed their fate. For a side that has played every World Cup since 2000, missing out is a stark reminder of the evolving competitiveness in women’s cricket.

Kathryn Bryce Stands Tall for Scotland

Though Scotland didn’t qualify, all eyes were on Kathryn Bryce. The all-rounder was simply brilliant throughout the tournament, finishing as the top run-scorer. Her 131* against Ireland was not just a personal milestone it was a masterclass in pacing an ODI innings.

Bryce's consistency with the ball taking six wickets and her leadership helped Scotland stay in the hunt until late in the competition. But losses to Bangladesh and Pakistan proved too much to overcome. Despite their exit, Scotland earned respect and will likely be back stronger in the next cycle.

Thailand and Ireland Show Progress, But Miss Out

Ireland’s campaign was defined by fine margins. Narrow defeats to Bangladesh and West Indies showcased their potential but also their lack of finishing touch. Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter were standout performers, while Jane Maguire impressed with the ball.

Thailand, meanwhile, failed to win a match but played with spirit. Natthakan Chantham’s half-centuries and Thipatcha Putthawong’s eight wickets highlighted their growth as a competitive side in the global arena. They may not have progressed, but they certainly showed they belong at this level.