Pakistan finish U19 T20 World Cup campaign with victory over Samoa

 Pakistan have concluded their campaign at the second edition of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup with a commanding 52-run victory over Samoa in the 4th place playoff on Friday at the Johor Cricket Academy Oval, Malaysia. 

A brilliant bowling performance, led by player of the match Haniah Ahmer, ensured Pakistan defended their total of 137 runs with ease.

Haniah delivered a sensational spell with the ball, claiming 4-17 in four overs, which dismantled Samoa’s batting order and restricted them to just 84 runs in 18.5 overs. 

Leg-spinner Quratulain Ahsen (2-13) and right-arm fast bowler Fatima Khan (2-19) provided crucial support to secure the win.

Opting to bat first after Samoa won the toss and chose to field, Pakistan’s batting was built around contributions from opener Maham Anees (28 off 42 balls, 3 fours), No.6 batter Fatima Khan, and No.4 batter Minahil (17 off 17 balls, 3 fours). 

At the halfway mark, Pakistan stood at 66-3 before losing another wicket at 79-4, bringing Fatima to the crease.

Fatima injected momentum into the innings with a quickfire 26 off 14 balls, smashing three boundaries and one six. 

Quratulain chipped in with a valuable 13 off 11 balls, including two fours, as Pakistan posted a competitive total of 136-8 in 20 overs. For Samoa, Nora Jade Salima was the standout bowler with figures of 3-20 in four overs.

 Chasing 137, Samoa faced an uphill task as Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals.

 Opening bowler Haniah made early inroads, reducing Samoa to 49-5. The remaining batters could only add 35 runs before the team was bundled out for 84 runs.

 Despite the loss, Samoa’s skipper Avetia Mapu and Angel Sootaga tried to stabilize the innings but found no answers to Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.

Pakistan U19 Playing XI: 

Komal Khan (c), Maham Anees, Zoofishan Ayyaz, Minahil, Areesha Ansari, Fatima Khan, Tayyba Imdad, Quratulain Ahsen, Wasifa Hussain (wk), Haniah Ahmer, Shahar Bano.

Samoa U19 Playing XI:

 Norah Salima, Verra Farane, Olive Lefaga, Avetia Mapu (c), Stella Sagalala, Angel Sootaga (wk), Stefania Pauga, Apolonia Polataivao, Barbara Keresoma, Katrina Samu, Silepea Polataivao.