Taylor half-century hands Windies victory

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa, CMC – Jamaican opener Stafanie Taylor stroked yet another half-century to guide West Indies to a comfortable 93-run win over Pakistan in their final One-Day International of the ICC Women’s Challenge here yesterday.

The 19-year-old right-hander sustained her run of superb form with a knock of 83 from 112 balls as West Indies, asked to bat first, rattled up 256 for eight off their allotted 50 overs.

In response, Pakistan never recovered from a poor start and were bowled out for 163 off 44.2 overs, with captain Sana Mir top scoring with 39. Left-arm seamer Shanel Daley (2-25) and off-spinner Stafanie Taylor (2-26) grabbed two wickets apiece.

Taylor, who has scored heavily in the ODI segment of the six-team tournament, struck just three fours as she once again anchored the Windies innings with a mature knock.

She lost fellow opener Juliana Nero without scoring with the total on six in the third over but proceeded to stabilise the innings with a 118-run, second wicket stand with captain Merissa Aguilleira whose even 50 came from 85 balls and included six fours.

When Aguilleira fell to off-spinner Nida Dar in the 30th over, Taylor added another 43 for the third wicket with Britney Cooper (23).

Stacy-Ann King (21) and Deandra Dottin (19) put on 41 from 28 balls for the fifth wicket to give the innings momentum.

Pakistan then lost Marina Iqbal for seven in the third over at 14 for one but Javeria Khan (26) and Nain Abidi (20) added 41 to revive the innings. Once Abidi fell in the ninth over, wickets tumbled regularly and Pakistan failed to recover.