LAHORE: Diana Baig’s four-wicket haul and half-centuries from Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz led Pakistan to a 38-run victory over Ireland in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier opener here at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a challenging total of 218 runs, the Ireland women’s team was dismissed for 179 in 44 overs.
Following the early wicket of opener Sarah Forbes, Ireland skipper Gaby Lewis and wicket-keeper Amy Hunter steadied the innings with a partnership of 69 runs before being dismissed quickly.
The Ireland skipper, Lewis, scored 44 runs off 67 balls, featuring four fours.
Ireland was 3-113 at one stage in 28 overs. However, Pakistan triggered a mini-collapse and ran through the middle order with fine bowling.
Orla Prendergast emerged as the only other significant contributer for Ireland scoring 37 off 53 deliveries with three fours.
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For Pakistan, Diana Baig was the stand-out bowler, taking four key wickets of Ireland, while Nashra Sandhu provided strong support with three wickets.
Diana Baig was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for her outstanding bowling.
Earlier, After being invited to bat, Pakistan were bundled out for 217 runs in their 50 overs.
Green Shirts failed to capitalize after a strong start, just three down for 153 runs.
Pakistan’s Aliya Riaz top-scored with 52 off 58 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and a six, while Sidra Amin supported her with 51 runs.
For Ireland, Jane Maguire was the stand-out bowler, bagging three wickets. Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray scalped two wickets each.
Pakistan Playing XI: Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal.
Ireland Playing XI: Sarah Forbes, Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter (wk), Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Christina Coulter Reilly, Louise Little, Arlene Kelly, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray.
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