KINGSTOWN – A tame batting effort saw West Indies Women plunge to their first defeat in their four-match One-Day International series against Pakistan Women, going down by three wickets at Arnos Vale on Thursday.
Sent in after losing the toss, West Indies buckled for 92 off 38 overs and Pakistan then stuttered and stumbled to their target with 17 balls to spare.
West Indies lead the series 2-1 with the final game slated for today at the same venue.
The hosts struggled from early on when the usually prolific Stafanie Taylor fell for four and her opening partner Kycia Knight got five, as the score slipped to ten for two.
Taylor skied a catch in the second over from pacer Marina Iqbal (2-12) before Knight slapped the same bowler to point.
Deandra Dottin’s lean spell continued when she stroked a catch to mid-on to fall for one at 11 for three, as West Indies slid further.
However, captain Merissa Aguilleira and Shanel Daley patched up the innings with a 30-run fourth wicket stand to stabilize the innings.
Aguilleira stroked 34 from 87 balls while Daley supported with 15 from 57 balls.
Once they were separated, wickets continued to tumble as off-spinner Nida Dar (4-16) and leg-spinner (3-17) ripped apart the innings.
Pakistan also started shakily, slipping to 11 for three as Tremayne Smartt grabbed two for 15 in an incisive opening burst.
However, Bismah Maroof hit a patient, unbeaten 41 from 135 balls to hold the innings together and steer Pakistan to victory. (CMC)
