Cricket: Pakistan Women off to winning start

Maroof shines as Bangladesh lose in World Cup qualifying round.

Pakistan Women started their International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup qualifying round campaign in fine style, defeating Bangladesh Women by 73 runs in their Group B clash in Mirpur.

Batting first, the tourists were all out for 197 off the last ball of the 50th over, with Bismah Maroof top-scoring with 79.

After a dismal start where Pakistan lost captain Sana Mir with just 11 runs on the board, Qanita Jalil (33) then motored the innings along with Nida Dar, before Maroof took centre-stage. She was involved in a 78-run fourth-wicket stand with Javeria Khan, who made 30.

Maroof hit six boundaries as she carried Pakistan close to the 200-run mark before being dismissed by Khadiza Tul Kubra in the last over. Kubra finished with four wickets for 41 runs.

Bangladesh never threatened to challenge Pakistan’s total as they lost wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out for a paltry 124. Dar starred with a four-wicket haul.

In other matches, South Africa Women secured a narrow six-run victory over Sri Lanka Women, while Netherlands Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by six wickets. West Indies Women beat Ireland Women by 213 runs.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th,  2011.