In yesterday’s warm-up matches, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the West Indies and Sri Lanka claimed victories over the Netherlands, Ireland, Thailand and USA respectively.

Bangladesh defeated the Netherlands by 130 runs

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana looks in ominous form for the rest of the field, leading from the front in an innings of 89 from 87 balls. Hitting 11 fours and a six in her innings, the skipper was denied three figures by opposing ‘keeper Babette de Leede, who stumped the No.3 off the bowling of Eva Lynch.

Fargana Hoque (51 retired out) hit six boundaries, with Sharmin Akhter (34) and Ritu Moni (36) also making starts in Bangladesh’s score of 265/7. Iris Zwilling (3/38 off 10 overs) was the pick of the Dutch bowlers.

In reply, de Leede showed good touch with the bat, registering 53, before being run out by Fahima Khatun. Fellow opener Juliët Post made 26, though the Dutch line-up failed to build on the good start. No.3 Sterre Kalis in her return to the Dutch team after a stint in the UK was dismissed for 7. Jahanara Alam (3/14) led the Bangladesh attack.

Pakistan defeated Ireland by 7 wickets

Pakistan skipper Javeria Khan opted not to bat in their successful chase of 193, allowing a number of teammates time in the middle. Despite the best efforts of Leah Paul (2/36), Pakistan were largely untroubled, winning the match with 50 balls to spare.

Opener Muneeba Ali made a well compiled 68, with all of Pakistan’s five batters reaching double figures. Omaima Sohail (42*) and Nida Dar (36*) finished the job.

Earlier, Pakistan pulled back an early Irish charge, with Laura Delany’s team at one stage in a good position at 0-65.

Paul (37), Gaby Lewis (36) and Amy Hunter (42) all enjoyed a decent stint in the middle at the Harare Sports Club, though the Irish were reeled back in thanks to a team bowling effort from Pakistan, with five bowlers claiming wickets.

West Indies defeated Thailand by 151 runs

Deandra Dottin enjoyed her time on the Sunrise Sports Club surface, making an unbeaten 101 before walking off the field to give other members on-field action. Hayley Matthews made 57, though skipper Stafanie Taylor was brought undone for just 7, trapped in front by off-spinner Onnicha Kamchomphu.

Thai captain Naruemol Chaiwai rotated her bowlers, with ‘keeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai the only player not to roll the arm over.

Similarly, Taylor (1/12) gave herself and eight other teammates a bowl in their defence of 230, with seven of them remarkably taking a wicket. All-rounder Chanida Sutthiruang (37) was the only player to reach double figures.

Sri Lanka defeated USA by 200 runs

Finally at Old Hararians, Sri Lanka were emphatic with the bat, amassing 326/5 in their 50 overs.

Nine players reached double figures, with Harshitha Madavi (54*), Nilakshi de Silva (46*) and Ama Kanchana (32*) all retiring unbeaten. Chamari Athapaththu made 41 from 28 balls with nine boundaries. USA’s Moksha Chaudhar, Uzma Iftikhar and Geetika Kodali all picked up a wicket each, with Tara Norris, set to lead their attack in the tournament, rested from bowling.

17-year-old Lisa Ramjit was the shining light in the USA’s batting response, making 68 in her team’s 126. Skipper Sindhu Sriharsha made 20 with two boundaries, with Inoka Ranaweera the pick of Sri Lanka’s bowlers with 3/26.

Catch all the action of the 2021 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier on ICC.tv, and keep up with all the live scores across the match centres.