ICC Women’s Championship: Bismah stars in Pakistan win

All-rounder guides side to 57-run victory against SA in 1st ODI

KARACHI: Although Bismah Maroof missed out on her maiden ODI century by one run, her efforts helped Pakistan to a 57-run win in their ICC Women’s Championship match played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.

It was a tale of two misses for Pakistan as opener Javeria Khan was also run out before her half-century.

Batting first, Pakistan received an early blow as opener Marina Iqbal walked back after scoring just six runs. However, Bismah and Javeria overcame Marina’s loss to rebuild the innings with an 88-run stand for the second-wicket before leg-spinner Sune Luus gave them a scare with her quick four-wicket burst.

Javeria’s wicket fell first before Nain Abidi (four), Sana Mir (seven) and Nida Dar (four) also failed to brace Luus’ attack. Pakistan were quickly at 142-5 from 103-1.

However, Bismah continued scoring from other end and found the much-needed support from Asmavia Iqbal as the two accumulated 74 runs together, taking Pakistan to 216-6 in their allotted 50 overs.

Bismah’s wicket was taken on the last ball of the innings. Her 99-run knock off 129 balls was studded with seven boundaries, while Asmavia starred with a 45-ball 35 as she struck three strikes to the fence.

In reply, South Africa could only manage 159-9 in their quota as Anam Amin picked up three wickets, while skipper Sana bagged two. Asmavia, Bismah and Nida picked up a wicket each.

Trisha Chetty (32), Mingon du Preez (27), Lizelle Lee (25) and Dane Van Niekerk (21) made decent starts but failed to capitalise on them.

Published in The Express Tribune, March  14^th,  2015.

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