Women’s cricket: Pakistan handed 4-0 whitewash by Aussies

Tourists suffer 37-run in fourth ODI at Brisbane.

KARACHI: Despite captain Sana Mir and Bismah Maroof’s all-round performances, Pakistan were handed a 37-run defeat at the hands of hosts Australia in the fourth ODI at Brisbane, leaving the tourists with a 4-0 whitewash in the series.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat first, a move which looked close to backfiring until the middle-order chipped in with useful runs.

The hosts made 220-9 in their 50 overs as Sana picked up three wickets while Bismah claimed two scalps.

Australia enjoyed a 52-run opening stand, but three quick wickets put them at 66-3. From there on, the wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals but middle-order batters Erin Osborne, who remained unbeaten on 47 off 51, and Delissa Kimmince, who chipped in with 42, made sure that Australia put up a decent total on the board.

Medium pacer Qanita Jalil and Maham Tariq also bagged a wicket each.

In reply, Pakistan lost an early wicket – Marina Iqbal (3) – and were 10-1, but Javeria Khan and Bismah put up a 79-run partnership to give Pakistan a realistic chance of winning the match.

Javeria departed after making 58 off 86 deliveries hitting six boundaries in process and Bismah soon followed after a 61-ball 25.

Their departure resulted in the side’s downfall as Pakistan were all out for 183 in 49.4 overs.

Sarah Coyte claimed three wickets while Osborne chipped in with two scalps.

Despite the loss, Sana still praised the fighting spirit of her team.

“Winning is always important but today [Thursday], I can say that I am really proud of the way my team fought in this series against the Australians,” said Sana.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2014.

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