LAHORE: Pakistan secured a place in the Women’s Cricket World Cup by beating Thailand on Thursday for its fourth straight victory in the qualifying tournament.
After defeating Ireland, Scotland and the West Indies, Pakistan thumped Thailand by 87 runs at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore to seal one of the two vacant World Cup places.
Bangladesh, Scotland and the West Indies are still in contention for the remaining spot to join host India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka in the eight-team, 50-over tournament later this year.
Bangladesh, which has won three of its four games, will play Pakistan on Saturday, when the West Indies round faces Thailand. Scotland meets Ireland on Friday in its last game.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana led from the front and took 10 wickets in four games. She is second on the bowling chart in the qualifying tournament behind Hayley Matthews of the West Indies, who has bagged 12 wickets in four games.
Sana orchestrated Pakistan’s place at the World Cup with her brilliant all-round performance against Thailand as she scored a half-century and then claimed 3-39 with her medium fast bowling.
The International Cricket Council has not yet announced the dates and venues of the World Cup, but last December agreed to a hybrid model due to severe political relations between India and Pakistan. All matches involving India and Pakistan in an ICC event will be played at a neutral venue.
Pakistan seals spot in Women’s Cricket World Cup after recording four straight wins
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Pakistan seals spot in Women’s Cricket World Cup after recording four straight wins
- After defeating Ireland, Scotland and the West Indies, Pakistan thumped Thailand by 87 runs
- Bangladesh, Scotland and the West Indies are still in contention for the one remaining spot
Pakistan forecasts inflation to remain in moderate 5.5-6.5 percent range
- Finance Division report says robust remittance inflows, steady performance of IT, service sectors to cushion external pressures
- Consumer inflation in Pakistan has significantly reduced over the years when it surged to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023
ISLAMABAD: Inflation is expected to remain in the moderate range of 5.5 to 6.5 percent for December, the Finance Division said in its Monthly Economic Outlook report on Wednesday.
Pakistan reported inflation at 6.1 percent on a year-on-year basis in November as compared to 6.2 percent in October. Pakistan’s inflation rate rose to a record high of 38 percent in May 2023 on account of surging food and fuel costs as Islamabad scrapped subsidies as part of a financial deal agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Inflation is projected to remain moderate, in the range of 5.5-6.5 percent in December, primarily reflecting base effect,” the report said.
The Finance Division’s report said Pakistan’s economic outlook remains “positive,” driven by sustained growth in industrial activity due to continued momentum in textiles, automobiles, cement and food processing sectors.
“Robust remittance inflows and steady performance in IT and services exports are likely to cushion external pressures,” the report said.
The report said Pakistan’s current account recorded a surplus of $100 million while it posted a deficit of $812 million during the July-November period.
It said remittances increased by 9.3 percent to $16.1 billion in November, led by inflows from Saudi Arabia (24.2 percent) and the UAE (20.8 percent), while the net foreign direct investment inflows were recorded at $927.4 million during the same July to November period.
It said Pakistan’s fiscal consolidation is expected to continue supporting macroeconomic stability, with government efforts in expenditure management, enhanced tax collection and structural reforms contributing to sustainable growth.
“Overall, Pakistan’s economy is projected to maintain its positive momentum in the coming months, driven by industrial growth, improved governance, digitalization, and prudent macroeconomic management,” the report said.
