Cricket

Pakistan Women Elect to Bat First in T20 World Cup Clash Against Sri LankaIn a highly anticipated clash at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan Women have won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka Women. The match marks a significant moment for both teams, as Sri Lanka aims to continue their impressive form while Pakistan seeks to make a strong start to the tournament.Sri Lanka has enjoyed a remarkable year, securing their first-ever Women's Asia Cup title last July with a commanding victory over India. Captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed her team's underdog status and their determination to play without pressure."We are coming with underdog tag all the time. So, we don't have any pressure. I don't want to take too much pressure on my shoulders and my teammates' shoulders. But we keep it simple. I have a very young team, so we have a few seniors as well. I hope we can continue our best performance, because we've been playing really good cricket the last 16 months. This is a different format and different conditions, so we have to start again, fresh days. So, keep it simple, one ball one time, one game one time."Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, will be eager to prove their mettle against a formidable Sri Lankan side. The team features experienced players like Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, as well as promising youngsters like Muneeba Ali and Tuba Hassan."I will try to enjoy myself, express myself and back myself as well (as captain). Actually, our whole management is supporting me, and they told me that you just take a brave decision on the field, so just try to do this, be calm and just do whatever you want."The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting strengths and ambitions. Sri Lanka will look to maintain their momentum and upset the more fancied Pakistan side, while Pakistan will be determined to make a statement and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

Pakistan Women, seeking redemption after their defeat in the first ODI, have opted to bat first against England Women in the second ODI at Taunton. Despite overcast skies and the threat of rain, the match commenced on time with an unchanged Pakistani lineup.England, on the other hand, made two alterations to their squad. Lauren Filer replaced Lauren Bell as a seamer, while Danni Wyatt returned from illness to bolster the batting lineup. Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn was omitted to accommodate Wyatt's return.Pakistan's batting lineup remains unchanged from the first ODI, which they lost by 37 runs. Sidra Ameen, Sadaf Shamas, Muneeba Ali, Ayesha Zafar, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Najiha Alvi, Umm-e-Hani, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sandhu will take to the crease.England's batting order features Maia Bouchier, Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, and Lauren Filer.Sophia Dunkley, who has been in impressive form for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, has been added to England's ODI squad for the remaining two games. However, she has been named as the 12th player for the Taunton match.With the series on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a victory. Pakistan will be determined to level the series, while England will aim to extend their lead and clinch the series. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams possessing talented players capable of turning the tide in their favor.

West Indies Women's team kicked off their tour of Pakistan with a resounding 113-run victory in the first ODI, extending their winning streak in the country to seven matches. The triumph was orchestrated by a dominant all-round performance from Hayley Matthews, who notched up an unbeaten century and claimed three wickets.Matthews, who elected to bat first, anchored the West Indies innings with a masterful 140 off 150 deliveries, laced with 15 boundaries and a six. She forged a crucial 101-run partnership with Shemaine Campbelle for the second wicket, providing a solid foundation for the team's total.Despite losing early wickets, West Indies managed to post a formidable 269 for 8 thanks to contributions from Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, and Aaliyah Alleyne. Matthews' century was her fifth in ODIs and her highest score in the format.Pakistan's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost their top order cheaply. Matthews' bowling prowess came to the fore as she dismissed Nida Dar, triggering a collapse that Pakistan failed to recover from.Apart from Matthews' three-wicket haul, Afy Fletcher and Zaida James also chipped in with two wickets each. Pakistan's innings folded for a mere 156 in the 36th over, falling well short of their target.The victory marks a successful start to West Indies' tour of Pakistan, with the second and third ODIs scheduled to take place in Karachi on April 23 and 26.