Pakistani cricketer Sidra Ameen became the first woman to score a century in Women’s World Cup history when she smashed a brilliant century against Bangladesh, making her the highest individual points-getter for Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup 2020.
Ameen broke the record previously held by fellow opening partner, Nahida Khan, who scored 79 runs against South Africa in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup.
Despite this, Pakistan’s middle and lower order failed to support her and Bangladesh clinched their first-ever Women’s World Cup victory by nine runs over Pakistan in a thrilling final match.
The match between the neighbouring countries was full of drama, not just records, and ended with Pakistan extending their losing streak in World Cups to 18, and debutants Bangladesh notched up their first win.
A little recap:
Chasing 234, Pakistan needed 94 off the last 15 overs with the set Ameen and Bismah Maroof in the middle. The pair had added 50 by that point in under 12 overs. They had assistance from the Bangladesh fielders, who were sloppy and dropped catches, which helped Ameen get the highest score by a Pakistan batter in Women’s World Cups when she got to 80.
But an over later, Maroof miscued a heave off Jahanara Alam to midwicket to end the 64-run second-wicket stand. That set the cat among the pigeons, as Pakistan lost eight wickets for just 70 runs, including a phase where five wickets fell for just five runs.
It was all thanks to the legspinning duo of Rumana Ahmed and Fahima Khatun who ran through the Pakistan middle- and lower-middle order. The experienced duo of Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, in fact, were among three batters to fall for first-ball ducks.
Pakistan’s hopes rested on Ameen, who went on to score her century, her first in ODIs. But her run-out for 104 with Pakistan on 215 signalled the end.
History made, nonetheless:
Bangladesh managed to restrict Pakistan to 225/9 in their 50 overs as Pakistan lost by 9 runs.
Here are the highest individual scores for Pakistan in Women’s World Cup:
Despite being the most popular sport in the country, the excitement revolves mostly around men’s cricket alone. The lack of institutes, resources, market and societal privileges makes it is unfair to compare and demotivate the girls in green based on their performance abroad.
Arslan Naseer, a YouTuber turned actor, recently came under fire for his condescending and tone-deaf commentary on Pakistan’s women’s cricket team.
Read More: Internet Is Awestruck By How Bismah Maroof Is Nailing Both Motherhood & Cricket
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