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Pakistan Women Bring Ireland Down With Quality Performance In World Cup Qualifier

Soumyajit Dutta

Pakistan Women [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]Pakistan Women [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]

Pakistan survived a spirited Ireland fightback to secure a 38-run victory in their Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier opener in Lahore. After posting 217, the hosts saw Ireland’s chase crumble from 144/5 to 179 all out, despite a valiant 44 each from Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter. 

Early breakthroughs by Jane Maguire (3/33) and a gritty 77-run stand between Muneeba Ali (42) and Sidra Amin (51) set the tone for Pakistan, but late collapse (217/10) injected drama before Diana Baig’s fiery 4/35 sealed the win.

Pakistan Wins Thriller Qualifier Match!

After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Pakistan Women put up a total of 217 in 49 overs. Opener Sidra Amin played a gritty knock of 51 off 112 balls, while Aliya Riaz contributed a brisk 52 off 58 deliveries, laced with four fours and a six.

Muneeba Ali also chipped in with 32 runs, providing a solid start before falling to Jane Maguire, who was the pick of the Irish bowlers with 3 wickets for 33 runs in her 10 overs. Arlene Kelly (2/34) and Cara Murray (2/49) supported well with crucial breakthroughs.

Extras proved costly for Ireland, as their bowlers conceded 27 wides and one no-ball, allowing Pakistan some breathing room. Despite a middle-order collapse, with quick wickets between overs 42 to 49, Pakistan managed to reach 217 before being bowled out.

Diana Baig stars with the ball as Ireland fall short

In reply, Ireland got off to a cautious start but struggled to keep up with the required rate. Captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter both scored 44, forming the backbone of Ireland's innings. Orla Prendergast also added 37 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to make a significant impact.

Diana Baig was outstanding with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 35 runs in her 9 overs. She was well supported by Nashra Sandhu, who picked up 3 for 41, and Sadia Iqbal, who bagged 2 wickets for 33 runs. From 96/1, Ireland lost momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals, and they were eventually bowled out for 179 in 44 overs, handing Pakistan a 38-run victory.