In a thrilling day-night clash at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on April 17, 2025, Sidra Amin’s resolute 80 and captain Fatima Sana’s unbeaten 62 powered Pakistan to a competitive 205 against Thailand in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers. With a World Cup berth at stake, Pakistan’s fourth ODI showcased their resilience despite early batting struggles.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan faced early challenges. Thailand’s disciplined bowling, led by medium-pacer Phannita Maya, dismissed debutant Shawaal Zulfiqar in the powerplay. Shawaal, replacing Gull Feroza, struggled to break free against Thailand’s tight lines. Soon after, in-form batter Muneeba Ali fell to spinner Onnicha Kamchomphu, top-edging a sweep to short fine leg. At 85-4 after 32 overs, Pakistan’s innings was teetering.
Sidra Amin and Fatima Sana’s Rescue Act
Veteran batter Sidra Amin anchored the innings with a composed 80 off 105 balls, including eight boundaries. Her third half-century in four matches underlined her experience and composure under pressure. Joining her at the crease, captain Fatima Sana capitalised on Thailand’s six dropped catches, including her own, to score an unbeaten 62 off 59 balls, featuring five boundaries and a six. Their partnership steadied Pakistan and propelled them past the 200-mark in the final.
Well played 👏
A remarkable 80-run knock by Sidra Amin 👌🏏#PAKWvTHAIW | #BackOurGirls | #WWCQ pic.twitter.com/mipzu0pEIC
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 17, 2025Thailand’s fielding lapses proved costly. Dropped catches, including Fatima’s, allowed Pakistan to recover from a precarious position. Despite their bowlers maintaining discipline early, the missed opportunities handed Pakistan crucial momentum.
Pakistan entered the match as favourites, unbeaten in their first three games of the six-team tournament. Their 65-run victory over the West Indies, driven by Sidra Amin’s heroics and a dominant bowling display, had placed them atop the standings. Thailand, meanwhile, came off a 46-run loss to Ireland, where they chased a daunting 306.
Read: Pakistan Women Defeat West Indies in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers, hosted in Lahore at Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground, feature a round-robin format. Alongside Pakistan and Thailand, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and the West Indies are vying for two World Cup spots in India later this year. Pakistan’s matches, however, will be played at a neutral venue due to a “fusion” model adopted after India refused to play in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.
