Muneeba Ali Leads Pakistan to Victory Over Scotland

Muneeba Ali's crucial 71 runs and Aliya Riaz's unbeaten 68 not out propelled Pakistan to a six-wicket win over Scotland in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 Qualifiers, with the team now sitting at the top of the table.

The match, played at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground, was curtailed due to rain delays, with both teams restricted to 32 overs. Pakistan chased down the target of 187 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method, reaching 190 for 4 with eight balls to spare. Muneeba Ali praised her innings, calling it "very important" for the team, and highlighted the crucial partnership she shared with Aliya Riaz, which took Scotland out of the game.

Scotland's Kathryn Bryce scored 91 off 96 balls, but Pakistan's bowlers, led by Fatima Sana, restricted Scotland to 186 for nine wickets in the shortened innings. Sadia Iqbal and Diana Baig got the better of Scotland's openers in the first five overs, setting the tone for Pakistan's win. The team suffered early blows, with Gull Feroza and Sidra Amin falling for two and seven, respectively, but the partnership between Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz steadied the innings.

The win comes after Pakistan's 38-run victory over Ireland in the opening encounter of the tournament. With this win, Pakistan moves to the top of the table, and Muneeba Ali expressed confidence in her teammate Gul Feroza, saying she is a promising player. The six-team ICC Qualifiers event will decide the two qualifiers for the 2025 Women's World Cup, to be held in India.