Pakistan Under-19 Women boosted their semi-final hopes with a win over South Africa Under-19 Women by seven wickets with 15 balls remaining at the Senwes Cricket Stadium.
In their first Super 6 group match of the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 Competition, Pakistan limited Ireland to 113-7 in 20 overs then chased it down in 17.3 overs, reaching 117-3.
Ireland failed to make the most of their decision to bat first, slipping to 24-3 at the end of the powerplay and both openers Rebecca Gough and Joanna Loughran dismissed.
Annabel Squires held the innings together with a well-crafted 55 not out. Her knock, which included five boundaries, was one of two double digit scores as the majority of Irish batters struggled to accelerate against a skilful attack. The only other noteworthy contribution was Zara Craig’s 17 and when she was dismissed in the 13th over to make the score 67-5, it was evident there would not be much to defend.
Pakistan made early inroads of the target, scoring 44 runs from the powerplay for the loss of one wicket.
Opener Eyman Fatima was particularly aggressive early on, hitting four boundaries and one six in her short stay at the crease. Striding to the crease at 44-2 in the seventh over, captain Syeda Aroob Shah made the most of the platform by striking a quick fire cameo of 35 runs which put the result beyond doubt.
The winning runs were struck by Warda Yousaf who came in not out on 24.
Pakistan U19 Women face New Zealand U19 Women on Tuesday with the knowledge that a good enough win over the Kiwis would give them a place into the semi-finals on Friday.
In the other match, Australia beat United Arab Emirates by six wickets.
Summarised Scores:
Ireland U19 Women 113-7 in 20 overs (Annabel Squires 55*, Zara Craig 17; Anosha Nasir 2-17, Rida Aslam 2-26). Pakistan U19 Women 117-3 in 18.2 overs (Syeda Aroob Shah 35, Warda Yousaf 24*). Pakistan won by 7 wickets with 15 balls remaining.
United Arab Emirates U19 Women 107-8 in 20 overs (Theertha Satish 58, Samaira Dharnidharka 17; Maggie Clark 3-20, Lucy Hamilton 2-10). Australia U19 Women 109-4 in 15.1 overs (Kate Pelle 51, Claire Moore 16; Lavanya Keny 2-23). Australia U19 Women won by six wickets with 29 balls to spare.
