West Indies skittle Pakistan to register massive win

Returning to the squad, Windies skipper Stafanie Taylor won the toss and elected to bat in what was the first women's ODI to be played in Dubai. Her side cruised to victory, bowling out Pakistan for 70 to win by 146 runs.

On a slow pitch, that proved tricky to bat on, the Windies batters had to labour for runs. Opener Kycia Knight struggled from the outset and was unable to find gaps in the field. During her 18-ball stay at the crease she was yet to get off the mark, and was bowled by Sana Mir. Her wicket however brought Taylor to the crease. Taylor combined with in-form Deandra Dottin to frustrate the Pakistani bowlers. The two put on a massive 143 run stand for the second wicket. The experience of both shone through in their mature knocks, as they took time to settle in before playing aggressive shots.

Kainat Imtiaz finally got the breakthrough in over 40, having Taylor caught by Sidra Amin for 58 off 97 deliveries. Dottin's wicket fell a few overs later, as she fell agonizingly short of a century. Imtiaz again did the damage with Nahida Khan holding on to a good catch to send Dottin back for 96 off 139 balls. Aliya Riaz struck in the next over to send Natasha McLean back, before Imtiaz returned to claim her third scalp, that of Chedean Nation. From a strong position of 155-2, Windies lost four wickets for just 37 runs. A valuable contribution of 26* from Shemaine Campbelle and a blitzy 18* off nine by Chinelle Knight then helped lift the Windies total to 216-5, a competitive total on the surface.

Imtiaz was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-49 off her nine overs, while Riaz and Mir took a wicket each.

In reply, Pakistan got off to an equally patient start. They too lost their opener, Sidra Ameen for a duck, who was stumped by Knight, off the bowling of Shamilia Connell. The following overs saw some delays, with Javeria Khan first suffering a cramp, then Nahida Khan being stretchered off the field after copping a nasty blow. Pakistan, already without skipper Bismah Maroof, were then dealt another big blow when Omaima Sohail was dismissed for a golden duck, off the first delivery following N. Khan's retirement.

Much of Pakistan's chase now rested on the shoulders of J. Khan, who was on 17* off 48, having been dropped thrice. Soon afterwards, she had to be helped off the field too, because of her cramp and was the second Pakistani player to retire hurt. Pakistan now had two new batters at the crease; Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz. Both were dismissed cheaply and while J. Khan did return, her stay was shortlived as she had to walk back for a patient 66-ball 21. From there Pakistan collapsed seven wickets for just 24 runs as were bowled out for 70. N. Khan remained the top-scorer with her 23 off 47 deliveries.

Pakistan were skittled for 70, largely due to an exceptionally disciplined bowling display by the Windies, who compounded on the pressure by bowling dot balls. Afy Fletcher was the star bowler, picking up three wickets for 17 runs, while Dottin was amongst the scalps too, claiming 3-14.

Windies lead the series 1-0. Overall, Pakistan will be disappointed with their batting after a good bowling performance. Having said that, they had to overcome several obstacles today with Maroof not playing and N. Khan and J. Khan both suffering. Dottin showed her class as an all-rounder, leading the charge with both bat and ball, to be adjudged Player of the Match.