ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier: Pakistan and Scotland Start with Stunning Wins

Pakistan and Scotland Shine Bright in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier Openers

Summary

In a thrilling start to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier, hosts Pakistan and a spirited Scotland side registered memorable victories in Lahore. Pakistan showcased their bowling prowess to overcome Ireland by 38 runs at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium. Meanwhile, Scotland stunned the cricketing world with an 11-run victory over the West Indies, despite a sensational century from Hayley Matthews. Both matches set the perfect tone for the tournament, highlighting the competitive spirit and growing depth of women’s cricket globally.

Scorecard

Scotland vs West Indies – Lahore City Cricket Association Ground, Lahore

• Scotland: 244 all out in 45 overs
  (Sarah Bryce 55, Megan McColl 45 | Hayley Matthews 4/56, Aaliyah Alleyne 2/31)

• West Indies: 233 all out in 46.2 overs
  (Hayley Matthews 114*, Zaida James 45 | Katherine Fraser 3/50, Chloe Abel 2/31)

• Result: Scotland won by 11 runs

Pakistan vs Ireland – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• Pakistan: 217 all out in 49 overs
  (Aliya Riaz 52, Sidra Amin 51 | Jane Maguire 3/33, Arlene Kelly 2/34)

• Ireland: 179 all out in 44 overs
  (Amy Hunter 44, Gaby Lewis 44 | Diana Baig 4/35, Nashra Sandhu 3/41)

• Result: Pakistan won by 38 runs

Scotland Creates History Despite Hayley Matthews’ Heroics

Few would have predicted that Scotland would outplay a seasoned West Indies side in their opening match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier. In a game that had everything grit, momentum swings, and brilliance Scotland edged past the West Indies by 11 runs to create one of their most significant victories on the international stage.

Scotland’s innings, built on a steady start from openers Abbi Aitken-Drummond and Darcey Carter, weathered an early storm brought on by Hayley Matthews. Matthews showcased her all-round excellence, claiming four wickets to break Scotland’s momentum and limit their scoring options.

But wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce’s composed knock of 55 provided the backbone Scotland needed to post a respectable 244. Despite several wickets falling in the final overs, the total gave Scotland a fighting chance.

In reply, the West Indies’ chase was centered entirely around Matthews, who stood tall amidst a crumbling batting line-up. Matthews’ unbeaten 114 was a masterpiece in composure and skill. Yet, the lack of substantial partnerships and her temporary retirement hurt the Windies' momentum. Once Aaliyah Alleyne was trapped lbw by Abtaha Maqsood, Matthews was left stranded at the non-striker’s end, witnessing a heartbreaking loss despite her heroic century.

Pakistan’s Steady Bowling Outshines Ireland at Gaddafi Stadium

For hosts Pakistan, the opening fixture against Ireland was a statement of their intent and capability, particularly in their bowling attack. Batting first, Pakistan recovered from an early loss of Gull Feroza to build a patient and calculated innings. Sidra Amin anchored the innings with a well-compiled 51, while Aliya Riaz added vital acceleration with a brisk 52.

Ireland’s bowlers, especially Jane Maguire with her 3/33, kept chipping away at the wickets, ensuring Pakistan did not runaway with the scoring. The hosts posted a total of 217, a competitive score but one that needed disciplined bowling to defend.

Ireland began their chase confidently, with openers Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter both scoring 44 and stitching a crucial partnership. Orla Prendergast added a fluent 37, taking Ireland closer to the target. However, the introduction of Diana Baig changed the game’s complexion. Her lethal spell of 4/35 dismantled Ireland’s middle and lower order.

From 178/6 to 179 all out, Ireland suffered a dramatic collapse, allowing Pakistan to secure a 38-run win in front of their passionate home crowd.

Scotland’s Belief and Pakistan’s Bowling Set Tournament on Fire

The early action in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier has already delivered compelling storylines. Scotland’s fearless cricket against a global giant like West Indies is a testament to the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket. Equally, Pakistan’s composed performance highlighted their ability to deliver under pressure, especially with their potent bowling attack.

For Scotland, the victory over West Indies is more than just points on the table it is a milestone in their cricketing journey. Meanwhile, West Indies will need to regroup quickly, despite the brilliance of Matthews, whose all-round show was worthy of victory.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will take great heart from their disciplined effort against a spirited Irish side. With batters like Aliya Riaz showing form and bowlers like Diana Baig spearheading the attack, Pakistan look poised to make a deep run in the qualifiers.