ST LUCIA: Javeria Khan’s 90 runs have directed Pakistan women an easy victory in the first match with an upper hand in the ODI series against West Indies women .
Chasing 223, Javeria combined formed substantial partnerships with three other batsmen, as Pakistan gained a 1-0 series lead.
West Indies got off to a solid start after being asked to bat first, but lost both their openers, Kycia Knight and Hayley Matthews, in quick succession. A 37-run third-wicket stand between captain Stafanie Taylor, 27, and Deandra Dottin, 19, stabilised the innings, before the hosts lost another clump of wickets as they were quickly reduced to 96 for 5.
However, wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira brought West Indies back into the match with a patient 67, and in the company of Britney Cooper, took the score past 150. The hosts managed to score 66 off the last 75 balls to end with 222 for 9. Four Pakistan bowlers contributed with two wickets apiece.
The visitors began the chase smoothly, as Javeria and Marina Iqbal put on a 54-run opening stand in 83 balls before Marina was bowled for 23. However, Javeria stayed firm and put up stands of 49 and 79 for the second and third wickets with Bismah Maroof (21) and Nain Abidi (31) to guide her team closer to the target. Javeria was eventually caught off the bowling of Stacy-Ann King in the 41st over, but Nida Dar and captain Sana Mir sealed the victory with 11 deliveries to spare.
