Kainat Imtiaz picks three as Pakistan A seal T20 series against West Indies A

Put in to bat first, Pakistan A didn’t get off to the best of starts, losing Ayesha Zafar, who made 40 in the first game, for a duck on the very second ball. Muneeba Ali, whose form at the international stage was a concern, was brought in the XI in place of Sidra Nawaz. Along with Omaima Sohail, Ali added a quick 43 inside six overs. The stand came to an end when Ali fell to Qiana Joseph for 27 off just 16 balls.

Runs became a bit hard to come by after the southpaw’s fall. Nahida Khan (1) and Sohail (17) followed quickly to leave Pakistan A reeling at 51 for four in 8.4 overs. Two overs later, Kainat Imtiaz fell to Kaysia Schultz for eight leaving Pakistan A at 62 for five after 11 overs.

Skipper Rameen Shamim and Kaynat Hafeez got together at that point and batted cautiously to ensure the visitors don’t collapse. Hafeez finished unbeaten on 24 while Shamim made 21 as the duo added an unconquered 46 in the last nine overs. Pakistan A finished with five for 108 in their quota.

ALSO READ: When we play to our strengths, we can beat any team in the world: Shikha Pandey

A disciplined start by Aimen Anwar, Sadia Iqbal and Shamim with the ball didn’t allow West Indies A to get off to a flier. The openers Reniece Boyce and Rashada Williams added 35 together before a run out saw Boyce depart for 17. Mandy Mangru then was the next to go via another run out as West Indies A were 44 for two, needing another 65 in 59 balls.

The middle order was found wanting for West Indies A and once Williams went for 21 – the fourth wicket to fall – the home team was nowhere in the game. Kainat Imtiaz then ran through the middle order to finish with three for 18 off her three overs. West Indies A were bowled out for just 94 with as many as four run outs pegging them back.

The last T20 of the series will be played on Saturday.

Brief Scores: Pakistan A 108/5 in 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 27, Kaynat Hafeez 24*, Rameen Shamim 21*; Steffie Soogrim 1/9) beat West Indies A 94 all out in 19.4 overs (Rashada Williams 21; Kainat Imtiaz 3/18) by 14 runs