Pakistan Women thrashed in final

West Indies win Women’s World Cup qualifying event.

KARACHI:

Pakistan Women faced a 130-run thrashing at the hands of West Indies in the final of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers courtesy a career-best seven for 14 by off-spinner Anisa Mohammed.

Chasing 251 to list the trophy after qualifying for the 2012 World Twenty20 and 2013 World Cup, Pakistan were never really in with a hunt, losing half the side by the 21st over. Qanita Jalil top-scored with 53 but none of the other batters offered any resistance to Anisa as Pakistan were dismissed for 120.

Pakistan coach Mohtashim Rasheed urged his side to improve its fitness levels in order to win against stronger sides.

“We played very well, but the onus is on us to improve our fitness levels,” Rasheed told The Express Tribune. “Previously, batting was our weak point and it became a problem for us in the final as well. However, we’re improving. I’m satisfied with the bowling and fielding but we badly need our batting to be more consistent.”

According to Rasheed, improving the technique was another aspect where the team was lacking and the solution to that was to play more matches. The coach, based on the team’s performance in the event, remained hopeful that they could improve before the World Twenty20 that takes place next year.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27^th, 2011.