Pakistan endure Women's T20 World Cup warm-up horror after shock defeat to Scotland
Pakistan's preparations for the Women's T20 World Cup suffered another setback as they slumped to a defeat against Scotland. Pakistan's batting faltered, leaving Fatima Sana's side with plenty to address ahead of a daunting group-stage campaign.
Pakistan lost to Scotland in the Women's T20 World Cup warmups. Courtesy: Reuters
Pakistan have found it extremely difficult to adapt to the conditions in England, losing both their warm-up matches ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup. They began with a heavy nine-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka, who chased down 169 in just 18.3 overs. However, Tuesday’s loss would have hurt even more as Scotland handed them a 41-run defeat via the DLS method at the County Ground in Derby.
Kathryn Bryce, who led Scotland during their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup campaign in 2024, gave the Pakistan bowlers a torrid time. The right-hander reached her half-century off just 28 deliveries before accelerating further to finish unbeaten on 94 off 43 balls, an innings studded with 11 fours and three sixes.
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Powered by Bryce’s brilliance, Scotland posted 191 for five after being asked to bat first. Darcey Carter (45) and Katherine Fraser (19) provided a solid platform before Bryce took charge and propelled the Scots to a formidable total. For Pakistan, Tasmia Rubab, Sadia Iqbal and Ayesha Zafar picked up a wicket each, but none of the bowlers were able to contain Bryce.
PAKISTAN SUFFER BATTING COLLAPSE
Pakistan endured a nightmare start to their chase, slumping to 28 for three in 4.1 overs. Left-arm seamer Rachel Slater did the damage at the top, while Gull Feroza, Saira Jabeen and Ayesha Zafar all failed to reach double figures. Muneeba Ali, who has two T20I centuries to her name, offered some resistance with a 20-ball 22 before Bryce accounted for her wicket.
Iram Javed looked promising before falling to Chloe Abel. When captain Fatima Sana attempted to spark a recovery with an unbeaten 12 off seven balls, rain intervened and eventually brought an end to the contest.
Pakistan recently defeated Zimbabwe at home, but they failed to win a single match in the tri-series in Ireland. In one of those games, Ireland successfully chased down 177, exposing vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Having now lost both warm-up matches against Sri Lanka and Scotland, Pakistan face a daunting challenge in the group stage. They begin their campaign against India on June 14 before taking on six-time champions Australia and 2024 runners-up South Africa.
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