KARACHI: Conquerors and Stars registered comfortable victories in their fourth-round matches of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament here at different venues on Friday.

Saira Jabeen’s mettlesome knock of 71 led Conquerors to a five-wicket win against Challengers while skipper Sidra Amin led from the front to inspire Stars to a seven wicket triumph over Strikers.

At the HPC Oval Ground, Aliya Riaz played a captain’s knock of 75 for Challengers while Dua Majid and Nashra Sandh took three wickets apiece to contain their opponents’ total to 201 in 46 overs.

Dua couldn’t replicate her performance with the bat as she was ran out for only run but player-of-the-match Saira provided two 60-run plus stands with Khadija Chishti (21) and captain Fatima Sana (33) to shift the momentum towards her team’s side.

Off-spinner Umm-e-Hani provided two crucial breakthroughs of set batters Saira and Fatima to give Challengers some hope but Syeda Aroob Shah (23 not out) and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi (15 not out) knock’s help their team get over the line.

In Friday’s other match at the UBL Sports Complex, Strikers lost wickets in early intervals as they were bundled out for only 108 in 41.5 overs by Stars.

Medium pacer Waheeda Akhtar provided early wickets of openers Gull Feroza (three) and Aleena Masood (four).

Noreen Yaqoob (13) and Warda Yousaf (15) provided a 25-run stand before it was broken by spinner Laiba Mansoor who dismissed the former. Soon after Warda went back to the pavilion after being caught and bowled by Tuba Hassan.

Skipper Nida Dar top scored with 25 before she was dismissed by Rameen Shamim. Rameen also dismissed Eyman Fatima (11) and Ayesha Bilal (15) as Strikers’ innings was wrapped up shortly.

In turn, player-of-the-match Sidra struck an unbeaten 79 to seal the triumph for Stars in only 22.5 overs.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024