Women's World Cup: Pakistan beat West Indies in warm up match

LAHORE - Pakistan women cricket team, powered by magnificent half-centuries from Nain Abidi (81) and Bismah Maroof (75), beat West Indies by five wickets in a warm-up match of the ICC Women World Cup (WWC) at Leicester, England.

Pakistan’s clash with the West Indies went down to the wire, but the player of the match Nain Abidi’s unbeaten knock was the difference in an easy win for Pakistan, said the information made available here on Wednesday.

Pakistan chased down West Indies’ target of 246 with two overs to spare. The Windies made full use of its 50 overs, reaching a total of 246-7 as Felicia Walters top scored with 59 before she was caught by Nain off the bowling of Sadia Yousaf (1-44).

Wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira also impressed with 43 runs, while Shanel Daley produced a thrilling cameo for spectators in Leicester as she bashed 24 off just 12 balls.

Early wickets for the 2013 finalists had Pakistan wobbling on 63 for three, but when Bismah and Nain came to the crease the result never looked in doubt as their 141-run partnership put their side in the driving seat, Kainat Imtiaz (14 not out) eventually sealing victory in the 48th over.

Meanwhile, Australia ramped up its preparations for the ICC Women’s World Cup with a comfortable 103 runs victory over South Africa.

Brief scores: West Indies 246-7 in 50 overs (Felicia Walters 59, Merissa Aguilleira 43, Hayley Matthews 32; Sana Mir 2-46, Asmavia Iqbal 1-31, Sadia Yousaf 1-44) Pakistan scored 249-5 in 47.4 overs (Nain Abidi 81 not out, Bismah Maroof 75, Ayesha Zafar 29; Shamilia Connell 2-39, Stafanie Taylor 1-29)
Nain Abidi (Pakistan) was declared Player of the Match.

Pakistan will take on Australia on Thursday and South Africa plays West Indies in the final WWC warm-up matches ahead of the tournament.-APP