By Eric Collymore
In a thrilling match on Sunday in Karachi, West Indies women secured a crucial two-wicket win over Pakistan, sealing the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series.
The final encounter is scheduled for Tuesday.
Facing a target of 224 runs for victory, the Windies women began their innings cautiously, scoring 72 runs in the first 20 overs while losing two wickets.
Rashada Williams departed early, managing just seven runs, followed by Windies captain Hayley Matthews, who contributed 44 runs before her dismissal in the 20th over.
However, the innings took a turn with a solid partnership between Shemaine Campbelle and Stafanie Taylor, who added 87 runs to the scoreboard, taking the total to 159 before Campbelle’s departure for 52 runs.
A brief partnership between Chedean Nation (6) and Taylor (73) further bolstered the score to 182 runs after 41 overs.
Despite a late scare with a five-wicket collapse, Karishma Ramharack emerged as the unsung hero, hitting a boundary off the final ball of the innings to secure victory for the Windies, with the final score standing at 225 for 8.
Earlier in the match, Windies bowlers Chinelle Henry and Karishma Ramharack took three wickets each, helping to dismiss Pakistan for 223 runs.
After the match, Stafanie Taylor expressed satisfaction with the win but stressed the need for improved execution in the upcoming matches.
She also called on her team to finish the series strongly, aiming for a clean sweep.
With the third game scheduled for Tuesday, the Windies women will be aiming to maintain their winning momentum and secure a comprehensive series victory.