Pakistan Falls Short Against Ireland in T20I Series Opener
Pakistan suffered an 11-run defeat against Ireland on Wednesday in the inaugural match of their T20 International series held in Dublin.
Strong Bowling Performance by Fatima Sana
Captain Fatima Sana shone with the ball for Pakistan, achieving a career-best performance of 4 wickets for 26 runs at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground. Despite bowling out the Irish team for just 142, the Green Shirts were unable to secure a victory as they managed only 131 in their chase.
Impressive Contributions from Ireland’s Orla Prendergast
Orla Prendergast played a pivotal role for the Irish side, receiving the Player of the Match award for her three-wicket haul and a notable 26 runs. The Pakistani batting lineup faced significant challenges throughout their innings.
Key Moments of the Match
During the first innings, Pakistan’s top-ranked T20I bowler, Sadia Iqbal, had a rocky start, conceding a boundary to Irish opener Amy Hunter. However, Fatima Sana quickly made an impact, taking the wicket of Gaby Lewis with an inswinging delivery in her second over.
Ireland’s Recovery and Regular Wickets
After struggling initially, the Irish team reached 48-1 by the end of the powerplay, largely thanks to Hunter’s five boundaries. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu and captain Fatima Sanas took crucial wickets, with Ireland ultimately bowled out for 142, losing their last batters to run-outs.
Pakistan’s Struggle in the Chase
Pakistan’s chase started poorly, losing opener Muneeba Ali for just 5 runs, followed by Gull Feroza, also dismissed for 5. Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz tried to stabilize the innings but fell to soft dismissals, leaving Pakistan at a precarious 42-4 after just nine overs.
Looking Ahead
This match marked the beginning of the fifth bilateral T20I series between Pakistan and Ireland, with both sides having won two series each prior to this encounter. Following this series, Pakistan will prepare for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup in September, playing three matches against South Africa in Lahore before competing in India.
