CWC22, Pakistan vs West Indies: 'We wanted this win badly,' says Bismah Maroof

Bismah Maroof led Pakistan registered a convincing win over West Indies in a rain-affected game at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Monday (March 21). Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first where they restricted West Indies within 89, courtesy of Nida Dar’s 4-wicket haul. Later, Muneeba Ali (37), Maroof (20) and Omaima Sohail (22) took the team home.

After the win, Bismah Maroof said: “A sigh of relief firstly. We wanted this win badly. We came close but couldn’t get over the line. Credit to everyone and we would like to think ahead and move upwards. We just wanted to enjoy the game, think of the process and not the result. It was just about picking balls where we could hit. Muneeba was brilliant and Omaima and me just wanted to finish the game in the end. We wanted this win. We have spoken about our mistakes in the group and we would like to take this momentum forward.”

READ MORE: CWC22: NZ vs England – Heather Knight praises White Ferns for putting up a great show

Stefanie Taylor, the West Indies captain said: “We were looking at a total of 125. But when I got in, I realized that 110-115 would have been a good target, but we couldn’t get to that. I guess when you look at the way we played against Bangladesh, the spinners choked us and we couldn’t rotate strike. The same thing happened today. We just couldn’t turn over the strike. I thought Pakistan bowled well. Nida Dar was fantastic. Anam bowled four overs for six. We just have to go out there and I hope that’s the game we play our best cricket in. It’s a do or die situation.”

Nida Dar, who won the Player of the Match, said: “All day we were watching the weather. We desperately needed this win. I was only thinking of bowling in good areas. I am happy to play the role. As a senior we know we are role models in the side. We work on pressure situations. Shahid Afridi is my favourite player and after that Shaheen is my favourite, so I celebrate like them. It’s an inspiration (first win in 13 years in World Cups) for all the girls who are looking up to us. Much-needed win, this win goes to all Pakistanis.”

Bismah Maroof led Pakistan will play their next game against England Women on 24th Match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch as well.