Ramharack’s standout performance contributes to Windies Women’s victory in the ODI series against Pakistan, making it a memorable day for the team.
In Karachi, Pakistan, Karishma Ramharack had a memorable day, combining a decisive bowling performance with a crucial boundary off the final delivery to secure a thrilling two-wicket victory for the West Indies Women against the host Pakistan Women in their second ICC Women’s Championship One-day International.
Ramharack’s boundary off the last ball, delivered by pacer Fatima Sana, skimmed past the left side of wicketkeeper Najiha Alvi, sealing the victory as the Caribbean team jubilantly celebrated chasing down a target of 224 at the National Stadium.
Despite a slow start, the visitors managed to steadily progress in their innings, albeit facing challenges posed by Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack. They seemed well on course for victory at 159 for two, anchored by Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle, before encountering a late collapse, spurred by Pakistan captain Nida Dar’s bowling prowess, which nearly derailed their chase.
Taylor’s resilient innings of 73 earned her the Player-of-the-Match accolade, supported by Campbelle’s 52, captain Hayley Matthews’ 44, and Chinelle Henry’s contribution of 23 runs. Nida Dar emerged as the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming four wickets for 52 runs from her nine overs of off-spin.
Ramharack’s standout performance contributes to Windies Women’s victory in the ODI series against Pakistan, making it a memorable day for the team.
The win not only secured a 2-0 lead for the West Indies in the three-match series but also earned them crucial points in the ICC Women’s Championship table, enhancing their chances of direct qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India next year.
Despite their victory, the West Indies Women recognize the need for improvement, as they currently occupy the ninth spot in the standings with 12 points from 14 matches. Direct qualification remains a challenging task, with only five spots available alongside the host nation.
Looking ahead, the bottom four teams in the Women’s Championship, along with the 11th and 12th ranked teams in the ICC ODI rankings, will vie for the remaining spots through a qualifying tournament, details of which will be announced later.
In the match, West Indies Women’s bowlers displayed resilience, with Chinelle Henry claiming three wickets, Ramharack taking three, and Afy Fletcher capturing two crucial scalps, restricting Pakistan Women to 223 all out in 48.5 overs after they chose to bat first upon winning the toss.
Pakistan’s innings seemed promising at 91 for one, but a collapse ensued after Fletcher dismissed Sidra Ameen for a well-made 50 off 70 balls. Despite Bismah Maroof’s contribution of 65 runs, Pakistan lost momentum in their quest for quick runs, losing wickets in clusters towards the end of their innings.
For the West Indies, there were no changes in the playing eleven, while Pakistan made adjustments, introducing Sadaf Shamas and Umm-e-Hani in place of Diana Baig and Nashra Sandhu, respectively.
