ISLAMABAD: Ireland women’s cricket team secured a three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan on Wednesday after beating the hosts by 34 runs in the decider played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The series was leveled at 1-1 when Ireland’s captain Laura Delany won the toss and elected to bat. Her team made full use of the track and put a 110-run partnership for the first wicket.
Amy Hunter was the first batter dismissed by Pakistani bowlers in the 13th over after scoring 40 runs on 35 deliveries.
Right-handed batter Gaby Lewis was the next to go after top-scoring for her side with a 46-ball 71, smashing 11 fours and one six.
Orla Prendergast – who was declared best player in the first T20I – contributed a quick-fire 23-ball 37, which included three fours and one six.
The tourists went on to score 167 for 4 in 20 overs.
With 168 runs to win, only three Pakistan batters managed to score into double figures and the side were all out for 133 in the 19th over.
Right-handed opening batter Javeria Khan top-scored for her side, hitting 50 off 37 deliveries, laced with seven fours.
The experienced all-rounder Nida Dar was other run getter for her side, scoring a 24-ball 26, which included one four and a six.
Fatima Sana, down the order smashed two boundaries in her 10-ball 14.
“Today’s game also added significance as Pakistan Cricket Board as part of its social corporate responsibility supported the Pink Ribbon campaign to create awareness about breast cancer,” the PCB said in a statement issued after the match.
“In that regard, both team captains, players, match officials and commentators had worn pink ribbons during the course of the match and awareness messages were displayed inside the stadium,” it continued.
Pakistan in their next assignment will fly to Australia to take on the national cricket team in three One Day Internationals.
The series is part of ICC Women’s Championship. Pakistan will also play three T20Is in January next year before featuring in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February in South Africa.
