England were looking for their second win of the tournament to keep them at the top of their group. They won the toss and smartly elected to bat. England made four changes to their starting XI with Alexa Stonehouse, Hannah Baker, Emma Marlow and Seren Smale coming into the side.
Pakistan’s bowling attack started strong with Liberty Heap departing for 4 after Syeda Aroob Shah took a world-class catch off the bowling of medium-pacer Areesha Noor Bhatti. Aroob Shah’s presence was felt in the field as she took another catch off the bowling of Anosha Nasir to dismiss the England captain, Grace Scrivens, for 24. At the end of the powerplay, England were 43/3 with Seren Smale making her way to the crease for the first time. England were 62/3 at the drinks break after ten overs but Seren Smale became the second victim of Zaib-un-Nisa’s bowling, falling for 37 after steadying England’s innings. Northumberland native, Lizzie Scott, headed to the crease for her first opportunity with the bat, hitting a boundary off her first ball. Ryana MacDonald-Gay anchored the second part of the innings scoring 35 from 22, supported by Hannah Baker who hit 8 from 3 balls and Alexa Stonehouse who scored 7 from 5 balls. England’s innings concluded on 156/7.
England had an early impact with the ball as Welsh spinner, Sophia Smale, got the first wicket of destructive batter Eyman Fatima for 5. A team effort between Charis Pavely and keeper, Seren Smale, saw Warda Yousaf heading back to the pavilion without scoring. Pakistan opener, Shawal Zulfiqar, started strong, however, leg-spinner Hannah Baker deceived her in the ninth over, Seren Smale taking the catch behind the stumps. A maiden over from off-spinner, Emma Marlow helped England to restrict Pakistan and at the half-way stage, Pakistan were 45/3. Syeda Aroob Shah top scored with 34 from 36 balls but Sophia Smale came back into the attack and MacDonald-Gay took the catch in the off-side. Niamh Holland was entrusted with the final over who secured England’s 53-run victory.
England’s final group game will be against Rwanda at North-West University Oval, Potchefstroom at 8am (GMT) on Thursday 19th January 2023
Full scorecard: https://www.u19worldcup.com/match/101659#scorecard
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