England Prevail in Scrappy One-Day International Win Over Pakistan
In a tightly contested affair, the England women’s cricket team overcame a sloppy display to secure a 37-run victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international of their three-match series in Derby on Sunday.
Despite no batter scoring more than 44 runs, England managed to post 243-9 from their 50 overs, with the visitors conceding a team record 40 extras in their reply. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone was the standout performer for the home side, claiming 3-26 to take her ODI wicket tally to 98 – just two shy of the record for the quickest to 100 wickets in the format.
“While England were somewhat wayward with the ball, particularly early on, the introduction of Ecclestone in the 16th over seemingly broke their slumber. The 23-year-old bowled both Sadaf Shamas and Ayesha Zafar in quick succession to reduce Pakistan to 79-3.”
Though the visitors fought back valiantly, with useful contributions from Muneeba Ali and captain Nida Dar, England ultimately emerged victorious, maintaining their unbeaten record against Pakistan in ODI cricket.
Speaking after the match, England skipper Heather Knight acknowledged her side’s “scrappy performance,” but was pleased to get the job done. Player of the Match Ecclestone expressed her delight at claiming three wickets, while Pakistan captain Nida Dar highlighted the need for her team to improve their batting.
The two teams will now head to Taunton on Sunday for the second ODI, where England will look to wrap up a second series win following their 3-0 whitewash in the preceding T20 encounters.
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