Pakistan's women's cricket team has made history by securing their place in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, following an emphatic 87-run victory over Thailand in the Qualifier held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This win marks Pakistan's fourth consecutive triumph in the tournament, solidifying their status as the first team to qualify for the World Cup, which is set to take place in India later this year.
Under the captaincy of Fatima Sana, Pakistan displayed a formidable performance throughout the Qualifiers, starting with a thrilling 38-run win against Ireland. They continued their momentum with a six-wicket victory over Scotland, followed by a convincing 65-run win against the West Indies. Each match showcased the team’s resilience and skill, culminating in their latest triumph over Thailand.
In the match against Thailand, Pakistan batted first and managed to post a total of 205 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by standout performances from Fatima Sana, who scored an unbeaten 62 runs off 59 balls, and Sidra Amin, who contributed a solid 80 runs from 105 balls. Their partnership was crucial, as Pakistan found themselves struggling at 85 for 4 in the 32nd over. The duo stitched together a vital 97-run partnership, stabilizing the innings and setting a competitive target.
Despite the initial setbacks, Fatima and Sidra’s efforts propelled Pakistan past the 200-run mark. The bowling attack from Thailand, particularly medium pacer Phannita Maya and off-spinner Onnicha Kamchomphu, posed challenges early on, but Pakistan's batting depth shone through. Fatima's aggressive batting included six boundaries and a six, showcasing her ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented by Thailand's fielding lapses.
In response, Thailand struggled to build any momentum against Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack. The team was bundled out for just 118 runs in 34.4 overs, with none of their batters managing to score more than 20 runs. Fatima Sana led the bowling charge with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 39 runs, while Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu also contributed significantly, each taking three wickets as well, helping to dismantle Thailand's batting lineup.
Fatima's all-round performance earned her the 'Player of the Match' award, further emphasizing her impact on the game. With this victory, Pakistan not only secured their spot in the World Cup but also showcased their capability to defend totals effectively, relying on a potent spin attack that has been a defining feature of their campaign.
As the tournament progresses, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in their final Qualifier match on April 19, 2025. A win in this match would allow them to finish the Qualifiers with a perfect record. Currently, Bangladesh holds an advantage with three wins in four matches, but they will need to overcome the challenge posed by the unbeaten Pakistan team to secure their own qualification.
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 will feature a total of eight teams, including Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England, and Pakistan, with one additional spot still to be determined. This World Cup marks a significant moment in women's cricket, as it will be hosted in India for the first time, although Pakistan's matches will be played at neutral venues due to an agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This arrangement was established in light of security concerns that previously prevented Indian teams from traveling to Pakistan for ICC events.
As the tournament approaches, the excitement surrounding the Women's World Cup continues to build. Fans eagerly await the final lineup of teams and the thrilling matches that lie ahead. With Pakistan's recent performances, they have not only made a strong case for their potential success in the World Cup but have also ignited a renewed interest in women's cricket within the region.
Pakistan's journey in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifiers has been a testament to their growth and development in the sport. The team's ability to perform under pressure and secure crucial victories has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting World Cup campaign. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, Pakistan aims to make a significant impact on the global stage as they prepare for the challenges that await them in India.
