- Scorecard available here
Lahore, 9 April 2025: Pakistan defeated Ireland by 38 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in the first game of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025. Diana Baig starred with 4-35 as Ireland failed to chase a target of 218 despite a good start with both skipper Gaby Lewis and wicket-keeper Amy Hunter scoring 44 runs each.
After being put in to bat, Pakistan faced early setbacks with Jane Maguire dismissing opener Gull Feroza for four. Muneeba Ali contributed 32 runs before she also fell to Maguire.
Sidra Amin (51, 112b, 3x4s) and Aliya Riaz (52, 58b, 4x4s, 1x6) then stabilised the innings with a crucial 72-run partnership, taking Pakistan to 153 in 36 overs. Cara Murray broke the partnership by dismissing both set batters, while Arlene Kelly's late strikes restricted further acceleration.
Orla Prendergast took the last Pakistan wicket to fall, removing Sadia Iqbal for four as Pakistan were all out for 217 in 49 overs.
The Ireland batters started well, crossing the 100-run mark for the loss of two wickets in 24.5 overs. However, an incisive spell from Nashra Sundhu kept Pakistan in the game, getting the wickets of Lewis, Hunter and Laura Delany in quick succession.
Ireland’s hopes of a comeback were diminished by Sadia’s twin strikes, getting rid of Prendergast and Leah Paul.
Diana was the pick of the bowlers as she was sharp with the new ball, forcing several appeals and claiming Sarah Forbes' wicket. She then returned with the old ball to put the brakes on the Irish batters and picked up the wickets of Christina Coulter Reilly, Louise Little and Kelly.
A collective effort from Fatima Sana and Nashra brought an end to the Ireland innings with the run-out of Murray.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan Women beat Ireland Women by 38 runs
Toss: Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Pakistan Women: 217 all out, 49 overs (Aliya Riaz 52, Sidra Amin 51, Muneeba Ali 32; Jane Maguire 3-33, Arlene Kelly 2-34, Cara Murray 2-49)
Ireland Women: 179 all out, 44 overs (Amy Hunter 44, Gaby Lewis 44, Orla Prendergast 37; Diana Baig 4-35, Nashra Sundhu 3-41, Sadia Iqbal 2-33)
Pakistan fixtures in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier, 2025
vs Ireland - 9 April - Pakistan won by 38 runs
vs Scotland - 11 April - 9:30 AM PKT
vs West Indies - 14 April - 2:00 PM PKT
vs Thailand - 17 April - 2:00 PM PKT
vs Bangladesh - 19 April - 9:30 AM PKT
