DUBLIN - West Indies women produced another dominant all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 25 runs in the second match of the T20I tri-series at Castle Avenue on Friday, tightening their hold on the top spot in the standings with back-to-back victories.
West Indies' Dominant Batting Display
Powered by explosive batting and disciplined bowling, the Caribbean side successfully defended a formidable total of 199-6, restricting Pakistan to 174-8 despite a spirited late fightback from captain Fatima Sana and experienced all-rounder Aliya Riaz.
Earlier, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews set the tone for the innings with a blistering 40 off 20 balls, helping her team race to 57 in five overs. Although Pakistan fought back through Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim, who claimed two wickets each, the Caribbean middle order continued to attack aggressively.
Veteran batter Stafanie Taylor smashed 39 from 23 balls, while Jannillea Glasgow's rapid 42 and Henry's unbeaten cameo powered West Indies close to the 200-run mark. Chinelle Henry emerged as one of the standout performers of the match. After playing a crucial unbeaten innings of 33 from 17 balls, she returned with the ball to claim economical figures of 2-13. Shawnisha Hector also picked up two wickets and conceded only four runs in the final over to seal a comfortable victory for the Caribbean side.
Pakistan's Batting Struggles
Chasing a challenging 200-run target, Pakistan endured a disastrous start as the top order crumbled under pressure. The Green Shirts lost three wickets inside the opening four overs with only 28 runs on the board, leaving the middle order with a steep task.
Saira Jabeen briefly revived hopes with an aggressive 30 off just 19 deliveries, striking boundaries freely during the powerplay before falling to spinner Ashmini Munisar. Rameen Shamim and Iram Javed attempted to rebuild the innings with a useful 32-run partnership, but both batters were run out in quick succession, pushing Pakistan deeper into trouble at 112-6.
Aliya Riaz then launched a counterattack with a fluent 37 off 28 balls, smashing eight boundaries to keep Pakistan in contention. Fatima Sana also produced an entertaining late cameo, hammering 27 from only 14 deliveries, including two sixes and two fours. However, Pakistan's late surge proved insufficient as West Indies maintained control in the closing overs.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan will now face hosts Ireland on Sunday in a must-win encounter as both teams seek their first victory of the tri-series.
