Fatima Sana‘s all-around excellence led Pakistan to a vital 87-run win over Thailand in the World Cup Qualifier, confirming their place in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
Pakistan Secure ODI World Cup Spot with Clinical Victory
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In a crucial World Cup Qualifier match, Pakistan Women secured a place in the ODI World Cup 2025 with an impressive victory over Thailand. It was their fourth win in the tournament, and they sit atop the table with eight points. Pakistan, with one more game against Bangladesh remaining, cannot be surpassed unless certain net run rate conditions occur.
Other Teams Still in the Qualification Hunt
While Pakistan is through safely, three other nations are still in the running for the second qualification: Bangladesh, Scotland, and the West Indies.
Bangladesh is guaranteed to qualify even if they lose to Pakistan because they have a net run rate advantage over the others.
Scotland and the West Indies need to beat Ireland and Thailand, respectively, by big margins and pray that Pakistan beat Bangladesh heavily, reducing Bangladesh’s net run rate below them.
Fatima Sana’s All-Round Performance Steals the Show
Pakistan were in trouble at 119/4 in 40 overs, with a run rate less than 3.0. But captain Fatima Sana changed the scenario with a match-winning 62 off 59 balls, speeding Pakistan to a decent 206/5 in 50 overs. She was well complemented by Sidra Amin, who hit 80 off 105, her third fifty-plus score of the qualifiers.
Sana and Amin put on a quick 97-run stand off only 60 balls, putting on 86 runs in the last ten overs to leave a tough total behind.
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Thailand Falters Despite Early Promise
Thailand, which had just chased 259 against Ireland, was hoping to make history with a landmark chase. But wickets at the top derailed their hopes. Opener Chanida Sutthiruang was given out dubiously in a stumping decision, but the bowlers of Pakistan took charge soon.
Sana also hit important blows with the ball, finishing with figures of 3/39, removing Thipatcha Putthawong and Suwanan Khiaoto, and ending Thailand’s chase. Rameem Shamim and Sadia Iqbal also chipped in with wickets, reducing Thailand to 118 in 34.5 overs.
Pakistan Bounces Back from ODI Dip
Before the World Cup Qualifier, Pakistan was stuck in a rut, losing five out of their last five ODIs, with their last win in December 2023. They are back on track, winning four in a row, and have qualified for their fifth consecutive ODI World Cup.
Political Logistics may affect the World Cup Games
The ODI World Cup 2025 will take place in India, and with the political climate potentially affecting where Pakistan will play, it seems (also according to the hybrid model between PCB and BCCI) that Pakistan will indeed play its games at a neutral site, that we have yet to define.
What’s Next?
Pakistan vs Bangladesh – A high-table clash that could have ramifications for who else joins Pakistan at the World Cup.
Scotland vs Ireland and West Indies vs Thailand – Both sides will have to win big and hope that Bangladesh gets beaten comprehensively.
Pakistan’s qualification campaign, spearheaded by Fatima Sana’s all-around brilliance, has rekindled their rhythm on the international scene. With the World Cup Qualifier reaching its crescendo, the whole world will be eagerly waiting for the last day of matches to find out which side wins the second much-sought-after berth.
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