Windies crumble to Pakistanis after batting wilts in warm-up

ST PAUL’S, St Kitts, CMC – Stafanie Taylor continued her good run of form but West Indies still went down by six wickets to Pakistan yesterday in the first official warm-up game in preparation for next week’s start of the Women’s World Twenty20 Champion-ship.

The 18-year-old right-hander struck 41 to help the hosts to 117 for six from their allotted 20 overs after they won the toss and batted first at the St Paul’s Sports Complex.

In reply, Pakistan strolled to their target with 11 balls remaining, as West Indies grabbed the opportunity to experiment with their bowling attack.

Opener Nain Abidi led the way for the visitors with a solid 48 while Bismah Maroof struck 28 and partner Sajida Shah, 24.

Taylor struck three fours off 43 balls as she dominated an opening stand of 66 with Juliana Nero who scored 16.

Once the partnership was broken, however, West Indies lost wickets steadily and only Cordel Jack with an unbeaten 17 showed any enterprise thereafter. Off-spinner Javeria Khan was the best bowler with three for 22 while leg-spinner Urooj Mumtaz claimed two for 14.

Abidi and Sajida Shah then got Pakistan’s run chase away nicely with 49 for the first wicket before Abidi and Maroof added a further 50 for the second wicket to ensure there were no stumbles.