Pakistan Starts Women’s World Cup Qualifier with Ireland Win: Pakistan clinched a 38-run victory over Ireland at the Gaddafi Stadium in their opening encounter of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. Despite a solid start from captain Gaby Lewis and wicketkeeper Amy Hunter—both scoring 44—Ireland couldn’t chase down the 218-run target.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan suffered early blows as Jane Maguire removed opener Gull Feroza in the second over with the score at 4. Muneeba Ali added a valuable 32 before also falling to Maguire. The innings gained momentum when Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz came together, stitching a vital 72-run stand that lifted Pakistan to a competitive 217. However, Cara Murray halted their charge by dismissing both batters, while Arlene Kelly chipped in with key wickets to stall Pakistan’s progress in the final overs.
Ireland’s chase began with promise, reaching 113 for 2 in 27.5 overs. But Nashra Sandhu turned the tide with a game-changing spell, removing skipper Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, and Laura Delany in quick succession.
Ireland’s hopes of recovering were dashed when Sadia Iqbal struck twice, dismissing Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul to tighten Pakistan’s grip on the game.
Diana Baig impressed with the old ball—creating early pressure and dismissing Sarah Forbes in her first spell, before returning later to claim the wickets of Christina Coulter, Louise Little, and Arlene Kelly in a fiery display.
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The final blow came through a sharp run-out by Fatima Sana and Nashra Sandhu, removing Cara Murray and ending Ireland’s innings.
Match Summary:
Pakistan Women beat Ireland Women by 38 runs
Toss: Ireland opted to field first
Pakistan Women: 217 all out in 49 overs
(Aliya Riaz 52, Sidra Amin 51; Jane Maguire 3-33, Arlene Kelly 2-34, Cara Murray 2-49)
Ireland Women: 179 all out in 44 overs
(Amy Hunter 44, Gaby Lewis 44; Diana Baig 4-35, Nashra Sandhu 3-41, Sadia Iqbal 2-33)
Pakistan’s Schedule – ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2025
vs Bangladesh – 19 April – 9:30 AM PKT
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
