Coach hails fine win after team beat Netherlands in final.
KARACHI: Pakistan women clinched the T20 Quadrangular Series after defeating Netherlands in the final by 12 runs in Colombo. Pakistan, who remained undefeated, had earlier in the day beaten Ireland by 15 runs on Duckworth Lewis method to set up the clash against the Dutch.
In the match against Netherlands, Pakistan managed 53 for seven before restricting the opposition to 41 for one. Captain Sana Mir took the only wicket to fall and conceded just four runs in two overs.
Earlier, Pakistan restricted Ireland to 75 off 20 overs and were then cruising at 37 for no loss before rain interrupted their progress. However, the Pakistan team was awarded the match by 15 runs after being ahead on the Duckworth Lewis method. The third-place playoff between Sri Lanka and Ireland was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Coach dedicates victory to bowlers
Team coach Mansoor Rana meanwhile, praised the team’s bowling performance. Despite injuries to key players like Nain Abidi and Asmavia Iqbal, Pakistan clinched the tournament comfortably.
“The team emerged from a difficult time to win this series,” Rana told The Express Tribune. “A week before leaving for Sri Lanka, Abidi was declared unfit and then Iqbal injured her hamstring.
“But the team has developed a winning habit and their confidence is very high.”
According to Rana, Javeria Wadood’s batting and Saadia Yousuf, Qanita Jalil and Masooma Junaid’s bowling has contributed to the victory.
Pakistan women cricket team, which also clinched Asian Games gold medal, now face the hosts Sri Lanka in a One-Day International series with the first match tomorrow.
