• Ireland registered a thrilling win against Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match Women's series.

  • Orla Prendergast shined with both bat and ball for the home team.

Orla Prendergast’s all-round show powers Ireland to a thrilling win against Pakistan in Women’s T20I series opener
Orla Prendergast's all-round show powers Ireland to a thrilling win against Pakistan in first Women's T20I (PC: X.com)

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In a thrilling series opener at Castle Avenue, Ireland Women registered a hard-fought 11-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first T20I. The win gave Ireland a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series, setting the stage for an exciting contest on Friday.

Ireland’s batters post competitive total

After Pakistan Women won the toss and elected to bowl, Ireland’s top order made a strong start. The opening partnership was short-lived, but Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast built a solid foundation. Hunter’s aggressive 37 runs off 30 balls, including five fours, set a rapid pace. Prendergast provided excellent support, scoring a steady 29 before Leah Paul took charge with a quickfire 28 off just 19 deliveries. A late flurry from the lower order, including Arlene Kelly’s six runs from two balls, pushed Ireland to a competitive total of 142. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by the impressive Sana Fatima, prevented them from reaching a larger score. Sana was the pick of the bowlers, tearing through the middle order to finish with outstanding figures of 4 wickets for 26 runs. Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu also kept the pressure on, ensuring Ireland was bowled out in the final over.

Pakistan’s chase falters under pressure

Chasing 143, Pakistan’s innings started slowly, with openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali both falling cheaply. A brief recovery was led by Sidra Ameen and Aliya Riaz, but Ireland’s bowlers maintained tight control. The turning point came when the Pakistani middle order failed to build on promising starts. Natalia Pervaiz top-scored with 29, but crucial wickets from the Irish bowlers kept the scoring rate in check. The real threat emerged from Rameen Shamim and Sana Fatima, who fought back fiercely with a rapid partnership. Sana’s seven-ball 14 and Rameen’s 27 off 20 deliveries brought Pakistan back into the game, but it wasn’t enough. Ultimately, Pakistan was restricted to 131 for 9, falling short by 11 runs.

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The Irish bowling attack was excellent, with Orla Prendergast completing a fine all-round performance by taking 3 wickets for 28 runs. Jane Maguire (2 wickets for 20 runs) and Ava Canning (1 wicket for just 9 runs) were also instrumental in the win.

Player of the Match

For her fantastic all-round effort with both bat and ball, Orla Prendergast was named the Player of the Match. Her crucial 29 runs and three wickets were key to securing the victory for Ireland. The two teams will face off again on Friday, August 8, at the same venue.

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ANIRUDH SINGH
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