Ireland beat Pakistan by six wickets

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Ireland Women beat Pakistan Women by six wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. This was Ireland’s first win on the tour, after losing 3-0 in the ODI series.

Chasing 136 to win, a 55-run partnership for the second wicket between Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast helped the tourists achieved the target in the 19th over.

rendergast (39, 25, 3×4, 1×6) for her all-round performance (4-1-10-3) was named player of the match. Lewis top-scored for her side with an unbeaten 69 off 54 balls, smashing nine boundaries.

Earlier, opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bismah Maroof-led Pakistan got off to a poorer start. The century maker in the first ODI Muneeba Ali returned back to the hut in the first over for no score. Muneeba’s opening partner Javeria Khan – who was making her comeback in the side was joined by Bismah. The pair added 24 runs for the second wicket before Bismah got out for a 15-ball 17, which included four fours. The right-handed Javeria could not make her comeback memorable and fell to Prendergast for four runs. Orla was the most successful bowler for her side taking three for 10 in four overs.

That the hosts were able to score 135 in their allotted 20 overs was largely due to sheer brilliance from Nida Dar. The right-handed batter who was recently named ICC Women’s Player of the Month for October struck nine fours and one six in her knock of 61 which came off 43 balls. The pair of Aliya Riaz and Nida added 57 runs for the fifth wicket. Aliya returned undefeated on run-a-ball 24, hitting one four, while Ayesha Naseem struck one six during her eight-ball 11. Both sides will meet again at the same venue on Monday for the second T20I. The PCB will live-stream the match, which will begin at 1000 with the toss taking place at 0930.

Scores in brief:

Ireland beat Pakistan by six wickets

Pakistan 135-5, 20 overs (Nida Dar 61, Aliya Riaz 24 not out; Orla Prendergast 3-10)

Ireland 139-4, 18.4 overs (Gaby Lewis 69, Orla Prendergast 39)

Player of the match – Orla Prendergast (Ireland).