DUBLIN — Ireland Women secured a thrilling 11-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of their three-match Twenty20 International series at Clontarf Cricket Club on Thursday.
Ireland’s Strong Batting Performance Sets the Tone
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Ireland posted a competitive total of 163/6 in their 20 overs. Captain Laura Delany led from the front with a composed 46 off 34 balls, while opener Gaby Lewis provided a quickfire start with 33 off 22 deliveries. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the Irish batters, with only Sadia Iqbal (2/24) making a significant impact.
Reflecting on the innings, Delany said, "We knew we had to put runs on the board, and the way Gaby and the middle order stepped up was fantastic. It gave us the confidence to defend the total."
Pakistan’s Chase Falls Short Despite Late Fightback
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing opener Sidra Ameen for just 5 runs. However, a resilient 57 off 43 balls from Bismah Maroof kept Pakistan in contention. The visitors needed 20 runs off the last two overs, but Ireland’s disciplined bowling, particularly from Arlene Kelly (2/22) and Georgina Dempsey (1/25), sealed the win.
Pakistan captain Nida Dar admitted, "We lost too many wickets early, and that put pressure on the middle order. Credit to Ireland for bowling well under pressure."
Key Moments of the Match
- Ireland’s opening partnership of 45 runs in 5.2 overs set a strong foundation.
- Bismah Maroof’s half-century was the lone bright spot in Pakistan’s innings.
- Arlene Kelly’s two crucial wickets in the 18th over turned the game in Ireland’s favor.
Bowling Attack Shines for Ireland
Ireland’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, with tight lines and variations in pace. Laura Delany praised her team’s effort, saying, "The bowlers stuck to their strengths, and the fielding was sharp. It was a complete team performance."
Pakistan’s batting coach, Mohsin Khan, acknowledged the need for improvement: "We have to work on our powerplay batting and finishing games under pressure. The series is still alive, and we’ll come back stronger."
What’s Next in the Series?
The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Saturday, with Pakistan looking to level the series. Ireland, meanwhile, will aim to clinch the series with another strong performance.
Cricket Ireland’s CEO, Warren Deutrom, expressed his delight: "This win is a testament to the hard work put in by the players and coaching staff. We hope this momentum continues in the upcoming matches."
Conclusion: A Landmark Win for Ireland
Ireland’s victory marks a significant milestone in their women’s cricket journey, showcasing their growing competitiveness on the international stage. With two more matches to go, the series promises more thrilling encounters.
As Laura Delany summed it up, "This is just the beginning. We’re building something special, and today’s win is a step in the right direction."