Pakistan ended their campaign in the second edition of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup with an impressive 52-run victory over Samoa in the 4th Place Playoff, held at the Johor Cricket Academy Oval on Friday.
Haniah Ahmer delivered an exceptional performance, earning Player of the Match honors with figures of 4-17 in her four overs. Her efforts ensured Pakistan successfully defended their 137-run total, bowling Samoa out for 84 in 18.5 overs.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Samoa managed early breakthroughs, but Pakistan's batters found momentum with contributions from opener Maham Anees (28 off 42 balls, 3 fours), No.4 batter Manahil (17 off 17 balls, 3 fours), and No.6 batter Fatima Khan. Fatima's explosive cameo of 23 runs off 14 balls included three boundaries and one six, bolstering Pakistan to a total of 136-8 in their 20 overs. Quratulain added a handy 13 off 11 balls with two boundaries.
For Samoa, Nora Jade Salima impressed with a bowling spell of 3-20 in her four overs.
In their chase, Samoa struggled against Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack. Haniah Ahmer, opening with the new ball, dismantled Samoa’s batting lineup, reducing them to 49-5. Leg-spinner Quratulain (2-13) and fast bowler Fatima Khan (2-19) provided crucial support, while the lower order faltered, adding only 35 runs before being dismissed for 84 runs.
This commanding win marks a satisfying conclusion to Pakistan’s journey in the tournament.
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
