Knight, Matthews propel Barbados to victory against Pakistan

Half-centuries from Hayley Matthews and Kycia Knight helped Barbados open their Commonwealth Games campaign against Pakistan with a 15-run win in Birmingham on Friday.

Having been asked to bat, Barbados scored 144 for 4, riding on the duo’s 107-run partnership for the second wicket after they had lost explosive opener Deandra Dottin for 8 off 5 balls.

Kycia, Barbados’ wicketkeeper-batter, top-scored with an unbeaten on 62 off 56 balls, hitting nine fours in her second T20I half-century. Matthews played cautiously, scoring 51 off 50 balls, which included four fours and a six. It was her fifth T20I fifty.

Pakistan medium pacer Fatima Sana broke the century stand by having Matthews caught behind in the 18th over. Sana also removed Kyshona Knight in the final over of the innings to end with the figures of 2 for 41.

Chasing a target of 145, Pakistan lost a first wicket off the first ball of the chase, when Iram Javed was caught behind off Shamilia Connell. Pakistan went on to lose opener Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail inside the nine overs, and captain Bismah Maroof’s laboured innings of 12 off 28 balls came to an end when she was run out in the 11th over.

Coming in at 40 for 3 in the ninth over with Pakistan desperately needing momentum, experienced allrounder Nida Dar raised the tempo with an unbeaten 50 off 31 deliveries, her fifth T20I half-century.

However, with Aliya Riaz struggling at the other end – she made 14 off 24 – Pakistan couldn’t keep up with the required run rate and eventually fell short by 15 runs. Connell, Aaliyah Alleyne, Matthews and Dottin took a wicket each for Barbados.

Pakistan plays India next on Friday, while Barbados will face Australia on Sunday. (ESPNcricinfo)