Dottin shines as Windies storm to series lead

Deandra Dottin

KARACHI, Pakistan,  CMC – Batting star Deandra Dottin narrowly missed out on a record-breaking third Twenty20 International hundred as West Indies launched their historic three-match tour here with a convincing 71-run win yesterday.

Player-of-the-Match Deandra Dottin collects runs through the off-side during her unbeaten 90 against Pakistan in the opening Twenty20 International.

Choosing to bat first at Southend Club, West Indies piled up 160 for six of their 20 overs, with the right-handed Dottin blasting an unbeaten 90 off 60 deliveries.

Chedean Nation struck exactly 50 off 35 balls as West Indies recovered from an uncertain start to reach a competitive total.

In reply, fast bowler Shamilia Connell snatched three for 29 while new-ball partner Shakera Selman (2-8) and off-spinner Anisa Mohammed (2-17) picked up two wickets apiece, as Pakistan folded for 80 with two overs left.

Captain Bismah Maroof top-scored with 38 but was the only one to offer resistance, leaving Pakistan well short of their target.

Playing their first series on Pakistan soil in 15 years, West Indies were propelled as Dottin dominated a 34-run opening stand with Kycia Knight (8).

But both Knight and Shemaine Campbelle (4) fell in the space of 17 runs to leave the Windies on 51 for two in the ninth over before Dottin found a stable partner in Nation to repair the innings.

All told, Player-of-the-Match Dottin struck eight fours and four sixes as she put on 109 in an unbroken third wicket stand.

Nation counted four fours and a brace of sixes, providing the momentum as West Indies gathered 62 runs from the last five overs.

Pakistan never quite found their footing, especially after Connell knocked over openers Sidra Ameen (2) and Javeria Khan (19) cheaply to catches at the wicket, leaving the score on 32 for two in the sixth over.

Bismah tried to rally the innings, hitting five fours in a patient 37-ball knock but was ninth out as Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 18 runs.

The next T20I is set for today.