Ireland Women pulled off a spirited 11-run win over Pakistan in the opening T20I of their three-match series, currently underway from August 6 to 10. The contest, held in Dublin, saw the hosts showcase grit and composure to defend a modest target and take an early lead under pressure.
Winning the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana opted to field first on a surface offering early movement. Ireland began steadily, with opener Amy Hunter leading the charge with a composed 37 off 30 balls. She found support from Gaby Lewis and Laura Delany, who chipped in vital runs to help Ireland reach 142 before being bowled out in 19.4 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers had their moments—Diana Baig, Rameen Shamim, and Nashra Sandhu all picked up wickets and kept things tight in the middle overs. Fatima Sana led from the front with the ball, using smart variations and pace control to restrict boundaries.
However, the chase turned out to be far trickier than expected. Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under disciplined Irish bowling. Natalia Parvaiz and Rameen Shamim provided brief resistance, scoring 29 and 27 respectively, but lacked meaningful support from the top and lower orders. Fatima Sana, who walked in during a tense phase, played a brisk cameo but was dismissed at a crucial juncture.
Orla Prendergast was the star for Ireland, bagging 3 wickets and delivering under pressure in the death overs. She was deservedly named Player of the Match for her all-round contributions, which proved decisive in swinging the game Ireland’s way.
Pakistan, who ended at 131 for 9 in their 20 overs, fell short despite having more experience on paper. Their inability to stitch together partnerships and convert starts into match-winning innings cost them dearly.
The result puts Ireland 1–0 up in the series, with momentum on their side ahead of the second match. For Pakistan, the loss is a wake-up call. With young talents like Eyman Fatima and Gull Feroza still adjusting to the international level, the team now needs senior figures to step up and guide them through pressure moments.
The next two matches, scheduled for August 8 and 10 in Belfast, now become must-win encounters for the visitors if they are to avoid a series defeat. Fatima Sana’s leadership will be under scrutiny—not just in terms of tactical decisions, but also in how she rallies her side after this early setback.
As the series progresses, both teams will be keen to sharpen their lineups and strategies ahead of the packed international calendar. For now, Ireland celebrates a well-earned victory, while Pakistan must regroup quickly to stay in the hunt.