Pakistan Women's Team Loses to West Indies by 5 Runs in Third T20I

The Pakistan women's cricket team suffered a narrow defeat against the West Indies women's team by 5 runs in the third T20I match at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday. With this victory, the West Indies have taken a commanding 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews led from the front, scoring an impressive 68 runs off 49 balls to help her team post a competitive total of 132/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Pakistan's Fatima Sana took 2 wickets for 22 runs in her 4-over spell, while Nida Dar claimed 1 wicket for 30 runs.

In response, Pakistan put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell short of the target, managing to score 121/7 in their 20 overs. Muniba Ali top-scored for Pakistan with 55 runs, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory. West Indies bowlers Afy Fletcher and Hayley Matthews took 2 wickets each, while Aaliyah Alleyne and Shamilia Connell also chipped in with crucial wickets.

Why this matters: The series loss to West Indies is a setback for the Pakistan women's team as they aim to improve their standing in international cricket. The narrow margin of defeat highlights the need for the team to work on their batting and bowling performances in high-pressure situations.

Despite the loss, Pakistan's Muniba Ali showed promise with her half-century. "We fought hard, but credit goes to the West Indies team for holding their nerve in the end," said Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof after the match. The two teams will face each other in the fourth T20I on Thursday, with Pakistan looking to salvage some pride in the remaining matches of the series.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan women's team lost 3rd T20I to West Indies by 5 runs, trailing 0-3 in series.
• West Indies captain Hayley Matthews scored 68 runs, leading her team to 132/5.
• Pakistan's Muniba Ali top-scored with 55 runs, but team fell short at 121/7.
• Series loss is a setback for Pakistan, highlighting need to improve in high-pressure situations.
• Pakistan aims to salvage pride in remaining 2 matches of the 5-match series.