Stafanie Taylor powers West Indies to a series-clinching win against Pakistan in the second Women’s ODI

Pakistan Women won the toss and opted to bat first. They scored a respectable total of 223 runs in 48.5 overs, losing 10 wickets. Opener Sidra Ameen had a strong inning, scoring 50 runs off 70 balls, but veteran Bismah Maroof was the highlight. She had a solid knock of 65 runs off 105 deliveries.

However, Pakistan’s middle order unable to capitalise on its strong start.

The West Indies’ two-wicket victory against the hosts in the second One-Day International at the National Bank Stadium spoiled Pakistani skipper Nida Dar’s historic achievement of being the nation’s second bowler to record 100 One-Day International wickets.

After a thrilling battle that came down to the last ball, the visitors’ victory ensured they had an unstoppable lead over Pakistan in the three-match series.

In 48 overs, West Indies were at 213-5 against a goal of 224 runs. With three balls remaining and six runs needed from the last over, Karishma Ramharack’s boundary off the outside edge completed the thrilling victory for the team, crushing Pakistan’s dreams.

Nida’s outstanding bowling effort pushed the West Indies into a spiral after they were initially cruising at 180-3 in 41 overs. After removing opener Rashada Williams to achieve the milestone, Nida destroyed the middle order by taking wickets of Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Chedean Nation, leaving the West Indies at 219-7 after 49 overs.

Fatima Sana, a pacer, put up a heroic fight, giving up just two runs in her opening five overs and taking out Afy Fletcher, but she was clearly disappointed when the ball went beyond Ramharack’s bat.

Nida achieved an impressive 4-52 runs in nine overs at the end, while Umm-e-Hani took two wickets for 38 runs. Fatima and Sadia Iqbal both contributed with a wicket each.

Before being bowled out by Sadia, Stefanie Taylor scored a cool 73 off 90 balls and nine boundaries, which was a major contribution to West Indies’ triumph. In 156 games, this was her 41st half-century of the season.

Taylor, a previous player of the year, and Shemaine Campbelle had an 88-run partnership for the third wicket. Campbelle hit four fours and a strong 52 off 73 balls.

Prior to Matthews being caught by replacement Diana Baig after Matthews had scored 44 off 63 balls with three fours, Campbelle had previously combined with captain Hayley Matthews to contribute 39 runs for the second wicket.

Earlier, Pakistan reached a score of 223 in 48.5 overs thanks to the efforts of Bismah Maroof and Sidra Ameen. Sidra hit a quick 50 off 70 balls, her eighth half-century in 65 matches, with four boundaries, while Bismah produced a patient 65 off 105 balls, her 21st half-century in 135 matches. For the second wicket, the pair pieced together an 80-run partnership.

The only other noteworthy partnership was between Bismah and Najiha Alvi, who put up 31 runs in 27 balls for the seventh wicket. 22 more runs were added by Sadia and Najiha for the last wicket.

The West Indies bowling assault was spearheaded by Chinelle Henry, who took three wickets for 37 runs. Karishma Ramharack and Afy Fletcher followed with three wickets apiece for 48 and two runs apiece, respectively.

West Indies appeared to be on track to surpass the modest score until Nida Dar (4-52) wreaked havoc in the last stages of the innings.

With three runs needed from the penultimate ball, Karishma Ramharack snatched a boundary off Fatima Sana to claim the thrilling victory.

In the process, she became just the second Pakistani bowler, after Sana Mir, to reach 100 wickets in ODI matches.

They had previously won the first One-Day International by 113 runs on Friday.

Earlier, Pakistan were all out for 223 runs, thanks to Sidra Ameen’s half-century (50) and Bismah Maroof’s crucial 65. The two recorded an 80-run partnership for the second wicket.

Chinelle Henry and Ramharack each took three wickets, while Afy Fletcher added two.

PAKISTAN: 223 in 48.5 overs (Bismah Maroof 65, Sidra Ameen 50, Najiha Alvi 25; Chinelle Henry 3-37, Karishma Ramharack 3-48, Afy Fletcher 2-46)

WEST INDIES: 225-8 in 50 overs (Stafanie Taylor 73, Shemaine Campbelle 52, Hayley Matthews 44, Chinelle Henry 23; Nida Dar 4-52, Umm-e-Hani 2-38).