Ireland Women sealed the three-match T20I series against Pakistan Women with a nail-biting four-wicket win in the second match at the Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin, on Friday. The victory, achieved off the very last ball, gave Ireland an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
After Pakistan Women opted to bat first, they posted a competitive 168/6 in 20 overs. Shawal Zulfiqar led the charge with a composed 33 off 27 balls, while Natalia Pervaiz’s explosive 31 off 17 deliveries provided late momentum. Muneeba Ali also chipped in with a handy 27 from 22 balls. For Ireland, Lara McBride (2/27) and Cara Murray (2/33) were the standout bowlers, applying crucial pressure during the middle overs.
Chasing 169, Ireland Women got off to a steady start but lost wickets at regular intervals. Orla Prendergast anchored the innings with a brilliant 51 off 34 balls, showcasing her range of strokes against both pace and spin. Skipper Laura Delany added stability with a well-crafted 42 off 34, keeping the hosts in the hunt.
The real game-changer, however, was Rebecca Stokell’s unbeaten 34 off just 16 balls. Walking in during a tense final phase, she struck boundaries at will and kept calm under pressure. With Ireland needing runs off the last delivery, Stokell found the gap to seal the match and the series.
For Pakistan, Rameen Shamim (3/36) was the pick of the bowlers, using her variations effectively, while Sadia Iqbal (1/27) and Fatima Sana (1/37) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Ireland’s thrilling win not only secured the series but also highlighted their growing confidence in high-pressure situations. The final match now offers Pakistan a chance to avoid a whitewash, while Ireland will aim for a clean sweep.
