As Pakistan takes on West Indies in its second warm-up match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (WC) Qualifier today, the Punjab home department has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of all participants. On Monday, April 7, 2025, the department wrote to the Interior Ministry, requesting the deployment of contingents from the Pakistan Army and Rangers until April 20, 2025, to provide foolproof security during the tournament, as reported by 24NewsHD TV channel.
The department specifically requested one wing of Rangers and two companies of the army for the event. All matches are scheduled to take place at the iconic Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans gather to support their teams.
A total of six teams are participating in this prestigious tournament: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, and Thailand. The competition is set to officially kick off on April 9, 2025, with the first match featuring Pakistan against Ireland at 9:30 AM. The excitement is palpable as fans anticipate the action-packed encounters ahead.
In a notable move by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), spectators will enjoy free entry to watch the qualifier matches, a decision that is expected to draw large crowds to the stadium. This initiative aims to promote women's cricket and encourage more fans to support the teams.
Pakistan's squad is being led by Fatima Sana, who has been a pivotal figure in the team. The warm-up match against West Indies today will serve as a crucial opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, in another warm-up match on April 6, 2025, Bangladesh Women showcased their prowess by defeating Scotland by five wickets at the LCCA Ground. Chasing a target of 251, Bangladesh was led by Sobhana Mostary, who finished with an impressive score of 57 not out. Farzana Haque contributed significantly with 48 runs, while Ritu Moni added 34 runs to the total.
Scotland had initially won the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 251-7 in their allotted 50 overs. Sarah Bryce top-scored for Scotland with 58 runs, supported by Darcey Carter with 55 runs and Katherine Fraser, who remained unbeaten on 52. Katherine Bryce also chipped in with a valuable 31 runs.
On the bowling front, Chloe Abel was the standout performer for Scotland, taking 2 wickets for 33 runs. Darcey Carter also claimed a wicket, finishing with figures of 1-34. For Bangladesh, Ritu Moni and Marufa Akter were the key wicket-takers, with Marufa claiming 2 wickets for just 22 runs.
The warm-up matches are essential for the teams to gauge their strengths and weaknesses before the tournament officially begins. With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier fast approaching, teams are eager to put their best foot forward and make a mark in this prestigious event.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to Lahore, the excitement is building. Fans are encouraged to come out and support their teams as they vie for a spot in the upcoming World Cup. The atmosphere at Qaddafi Stadium is sure to be filled with passion and enthusiasm, showcasing the growing popularity of women’s cricket.
With the tournament set to unfold soon, all eyes will be on the performances of the participating teams. Will Pakistan rise to the occasion under the leadership of Fatima Sana? Can Bangladesh continue their winning momentum after a strong performance against Scotland? Only time will tell as the competition heats up.
Stay tuned for more updates as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier approaches, and prepare for thrilling matches that promise to deliver excitement and drama on the field!
