Pakistan Women vs Scotland Women: ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2025
**Match Overview**
The **4th match** of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2025 between **Pakistan Women (PAK-W)** and **Scotland Women (SCO-W)** is scheduled for **April 11, 2025**, at the **Lahore City Cricket Association Ground** in Lahore, Pakistan. The match is part of the qualifiers to secure a spot in the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup. Below is a detailed breakdown of the teams, context, and key insights based on available information.
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### **Key Match Details**
- **Date & Time**: April 11, 2025 (local time: 9:30 AM start; delayed due to wet outfield).
- **Venue**: Lahore City Cricket Association Ground.
- **Format**: 50-over ODI.
- **Standings**: Pakistan and Scotland are both coming off wins in their opening matches, occupying top positions in the points table.
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### **Squads**
**Pakistan Women**
- **Captain**: Fatima Sana
- **Key Players**:
- **Aliya Riaz** (All-rounder; scored 52 vs Ireland).
- **Diana Baig** (Bowler; 4 wickets vs Ireland).
- **Sidra Amin** (Opening batter; 51 runs vs Ireland).
- **Full Squad**: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Omaima Sohail, and others.
**Scotland Women**
- **Captain**: Kathryn Bryce
- **Key Players**:
- **Sarah Bryce** (Wicketkeeper-batter; 55 runs vs West Indies).
- **Katherine Fraser** (All-rounder; 3 wickets vs West Indies).
- **Abbie Aitken-Drummond** (Top-order batter; 21 runs vs West Indies).
- **Full Squad**: Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Darcey Carter, Katherine Fraser, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, and others.
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### **Recent Form and Context**
1. **Pakistan Women**:
- Won their opening match against Ireland by **38 runs** after posting 217, led by Aliya Riaz (52) and Sidra Amin (51). Diana Baig’s 4/35 dismantled Ireland’s chase .
- Strengths: Spin-heavy attack (Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal) and middle-order stability with Aliya Riaz.
2. **Scotland Women**:
- Pulled off a **11-run upset** against West Indies, defending 244. Sarah Bryce (55) and Katherine Fraser (25*) anchored the innings, while Abtaha Maqsood’s final-over heroics sealed the win .
- Strengths: Balanced batting lineup and disciplined bowling in death overs.
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### **Weather and Match Conditions**
- **Rain Delay**: The start was delayed due to a wet outfield caused by thunderstorms in Lahore. Ground staff worked to dry the field, with inspections ongoing.
- **Pitch**: Expected to favor spinners, as seen in Pakistan’s previous match where Nashra Sandhu exploited turn .
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### **Predictions and Key Battles**
- **Toss**: Predicted to favor Pakistan.
- **Winner**: Analysts lean toward **Scotland Women** due to their momentum and depth in batting.
- **Top Performers**:
- **Sarah Bryce** (SCO-W) vs **Sidra Amin** (PAK-W) in the batting department.
- **Katherine Fraser** (SCO-W) vs **Nashra Sandhu** (PAK-W) in spin bowling.
- **Projected Scores**: Scotland 230+, Pakistan 215+.
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### **Live Coverage and Streaming**
- **Live Scores**: Available on ESPNcricinfo, Sofascore, and MyKhel.
- **Streaming**: The match is live-streamed on **FanCode** in India (no TV broadcast).
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### **Key Storylines**
1. **Pakistan’s Home Advantage**: Playing in Lahore, Pakistan aims to leverage local support and spin-friendly conditions.
2. **Scotland’s Rising Momentum**: After defeating West Indies, Scotland seeks another upset to solidify their World Cup qualification chances.
3. **Hayley Matthews’ Absence**: Though Matthews (114* vs Scotland) isn’t part of this match, her absence in the qualifier highlights Scotland’s ability to handle high-pressure scenarios .
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### **Conclusion**
This clash is pivotal for both teams to secure a top-two position in the qualifiers. Pakistan’s spin attack and Scotland’s resilient middle order set the stage for a tightly contested match. With weather interruptions adding uncertainty, adaptability will be key. For live updates, follow platforms like ESPNcricinfo or Sofascore .
**Final Prediction**: Scotland Women edge Pakistan in a close contest, with Sarah Bryce as Player of the Match .