In a dramatic and sobering twist of fate, the West Indies women cricket team suffered a heavy 65-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan on Sunday, casting a dark cloud over their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in India. This was their second defeat in just three matches of the ongoing qualifying tournament.
Held at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, the match started with promise but ended in dismay for the Caribbean side, as Pakistan posted 191 runs in 49.5 overs after opting to bat first. Despite a spirited bowling and fielding effort, the West Indies faltered miserably in their chase, bundled out for a mere 126 in 39.2 overs.
The early setback that faded
Things initially looked bright for the Windies. Captain Hayley Matthews, continuing her stellar all-round form, struck early to remove Pakistan opener Gull Feroza, reducing the hosts to 6 for 1. But Pakistan steadied themselves through disciplined batting, with opener Muneeba Ali contributing 33 and Sidra Amin anchoring the innings with a patient 54 off 94 balls—a knock that earned her the Player of the Match honors.
By the 37th over, Pakistan had clawed their way to 132 for 3. But spinner Afy Fletcher broke the rhythm by removing Omaima Sohail, sparking a collapse in which Pakistan lost their final seven wickets for just 59 runs. Matthews once again led the bowling attack with figures of 2 for 30, supported well by Fletcher (2 for 39) and Karishma Ramharack (2 for 55).
The golden duck that set the tone
What could’ve been a manageable chase quickly turned into a nightmare. The Windies’ innings began on the worst possible note: Hayley Matthews—Player of the Match in their last victory against Ireland—was trapped lbw on the very first ball. The shock was immediate and immense.
Two calamitous and avoidable run-outs—those of Shemaine Campbelle and Zaida James—compounded the disaster, leaving the Windies limping at 29 for 3.
Coach Shane Deitz lamented the unraveling, saying, “It was probably the best we’ve bowled and fielded and all we needed was a really good start to chase those runs down, but we lost a wicket first ball and then two unusual run outs put us behind the eight-ball.”
A flicker of resistance, then collapse
While several batters got starts, none were able to mount a substantial resistance. Aaliyah Alleyne top-scored with 22, attempting to marshal a lower-order fightback. Shabika Gajnabi added 21, and Jannillea Glasgow chipped in with 18, but Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout.
Sana Fatima (3 for 16) was clinical with the ball, ably supported by Rameen Shamim (2 for 26) and Nashra Sandhu (2 for 31), dismantling the Windies’ fragile batting line-up with methodical precision.
Qualification now on life support
With just two points from three games, West Indies currently sit fourth in the six-team table. Only the top two sides will qualify for the World Cup. Pakistan, leading with six points from three wins, are in a commanding position. Bangladesh (four points from two matches) and Scotland (also on four points) occupy second and third places, respectively.
Now, the West Indies’ path is perilously narrow. They must defeat both Bangladesh—who remain unbeaten—and Thailand—yet to register a win—and also hope for favorable results from other fixtures.
As Coach Deitz put it, “It’s a disappointing result,” but he was clear: the fight isn’t over yet.
What lies ahead
The Windies women are set to face Bangladesh on Thursday before wrapping up their campaign against Thailand on Saturday. The stakes could not be higher. Victory is not just desirable—it’s essential. Their World Cup dream now hinges not only on their own performances, but also on fate aligning in their favor.
Until then, hope remains—but it is hope hanging by the slenderest of threads.
