Ireland women pull off record-breaking T20 chase to stun Pakistan
By Nawaz Gohar ; Ireland Women pulled off their highest-ever successful run-chase in international T20 history, defeating Pakistan by seven wickets.
The thrilling encounter, the third match of the ongoing Tri-Nations Women’s Series, was lit up by masterclass half-centuries from Amy Hunter and Rebecca Stokell, helping the hosts bounce back strongly from their opening-match defeat against the West Indies.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan posted a highly competitive $176/6$ in their allotted 20 overs. The visitors’ innings was catalyzed by a brisk start from opener Gull Feroza. Feroza, who was dropped early on 10 by Cara Murray at slip during a shaky fielding display by Ireland, capitalised on the lifeline to smash a quickfire 32 off just 15 deliveries.
She was eventually caught at mid-off by Arlene Kelly off Ava Canning’s bowling, leaving Pakistan at $44/1$ in the fifth over. Despite dropping two more catches, Ireland found a breakthrough when captain Orla Prendergast safely judged a high dropping ball at mid-off to dismiss Ayesha Zafar for 6.
From $57/2$, Pakistan launched a fierce counter-attack. Opener Muneeba Ali anchored the innings beautifully alongside Saira Jabeen, orchestrating a formidable partnership that pushed the score to 145 by the 16th over.
Muneeba played a stellar knock of 65 from 41 balls before being caught on the boundary line by Rebecca Stokell, handing Alana Dalzell her first wicket of the match. Valuable contributions from Saira Jabeen (36), captain Fatima Sana Khan (21), Aliya Riaz (4), and an unbeaten Iram Javed (1*) successfully guided Pakistan to 176.
Chasing a daunting target of 177, Ireland’s top order rose to the occasion perfectly. Openers Amy Hunter and Alana Dalzell set a blistering tempo, putting on 44 runs for the first wicket well ahead of the required run rate.
Although Dalzell fell for 8 in the fifth over, Hunter continued her sublime form. The 20-year-old notched her sixth international T20 half-century, scoring a fine 56 off 43 balls before being caught at the long-off boundary in the 12th over with the scoreboard reading $95/2$.
The momentum was effortlessly sustained by Rebecca Stokell and skipper Orla Prendergast, who combined for a crucial 50-run partnership for the third wicket. Stokell reached a personal milestone, bringing up her maiden T20 International half-century for Ireland off 37 balls in the 17th over.
With victory in sight, Prendergast blitzed the Pakistani bowling attack, striking an aggressive 33 off a mere 17 deliveries. Stokell remained unbeaten on a magnificent 60 alongside Leah Paul (4*), steering Ireland across the finish line with balls to spare.
Following this historic victory, Ireland is scheduled to face the undefeated West Indies side today at 4:00 PM at Castle Avenue, Clontarf, subject to favorable weather conditions.
