Pakistan seal spot in ICC Women’s World Cup

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP):

Pakistan secured a place in the Women’s Cricket World Cup by beating Thailand on Thursday for their fourth straight victory in the qualifying tournament.

After defeating Ireland, Scotland and the West Indies, Pakistan thumped Thailand by 87 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to seal one of the two vacant World Cup places.

Bangladesh, Scotland and the West Indies are still in contention for the remaining spot to join host India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka in the eight-team, 50-over tournament later this year.

Bangladesh, who have won three of their four games, will play Pakistan today when the West Indies face Thailand.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana led from the front and took 10 wickets in four games. She is second on the bowling chart in the qualifying tournament behind Hayley Matthews of the West Indies, who has bagged 12 wickets in four games.

Sana orchestrated Pakistan’s place at the World Cup with her brilliant all-round performance against Thailand as she scored a half-century and then claimed 3-39 with her medium fast bowling.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet announced the dates and venues of the World Cup, but last December agreed to a hybrid model because of severe political relations between India and Pakistan. All matches involving India and Pakistan in an ICC event will be played at a neutral venue.