West Indies Secure Nail-Biting Victory Over Pakistan: Ramharack Shines in T20 Thriller
West Indies emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, clinching a one-run win in the first women’s T20I in Karachi in a pulsating clash against Pakistan.
Despite a four off the second last ball, Shamilia Connell remained composed as the West Indies maintained their winning run with 11 to defend in the final over.
In the opening women’s Twenty20 International match in Karachi, West Indies defeated Pakistan by a dramatic one run. Following a disciplined bowling display from Pakistan, led by Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana, the visitors scored 122. However, the bowlers from the West Indies matched the response, restricting Pakistan’s innings and making the chase an exciting one that was close to the end. It would ultimately come down to two runs off the last pitch, but Shemaine Campbelle got the run-out behind the stumps when Shamilia Connell beat the bat.
West Indies, hoping to maintain their perfect record in Pakistan this tour, won the toss and chose to bat first in the first of five Twenty20 Internationals. However, Pakistan got off to a stronger start when Iqbal hit the second ball, sending the skipper, Hayley Matthews, back for a duck on a surface that was tense under the lights.
The most economical spinner for Pakistan, Diana Baig, soon trapped Campbelle behind, leaving the West Indies reeling at 14 for two. Although Qiana Joseph and Stafanie Taylor’s partnership helped to stabilize the situation, Pakistan never fully allowed them to take off.
West Indies crossed the run-a-ball threshold with to two crucial cameos—Chedean Nation and Chinelle Henry both struck 13 off 9 balls—but Pakistan would have thought they had the upper hand at the midway point.
Sidra Ameen, who opened the innings with a brilliant 17-ball 23 to put Pakistan ahead of the asking rate by the conclusion of the powerplay, reinforced that lead. However, the West Indies stormed back into the match after losing both her and Gull Feroza inside four balls of each other without contributing to the score. The visitors took the lead when Karishma Ramharack dismissed Ayesha Zafar following a clumsy innings. However, as the match teetered on the brink throughout the innings, Pakistan skipper Dar’s 24-ball 27 saw Pakistan take the lead once more.
Connell bowled the final over, setting up a dramatic finish to it all. For the last time, Pakistan seemed like they were eking out a victory when Najiha Alvi hit a beautiful inside-out cover drive for four with the penultimate ball. However, a dot ball would come next, and while Pakistan’s hearts were crushed, the West Indies’ run stood strong.
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