Women's T20: Ireland beat Pakistan in Dublin opener 

Dublin (Web Desk): Ireland edged out Pakistan by 11 runs in a thrilling opening encounter of the three-match T20I series at Clontarf Cricket Club on Wednesday, thanks to a brilliant all-round effort from Orla Prendergast.

Her impactful display with both bat and ball played a decisive role as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series and continued their winning momentum in the shortest format, extending their unbeaten streak to eight games.

Asked to bat first, Ireland posted a total of 142 before being bowled out with two deliveries to spare.

The innings began shakily when captain Gaby Lewis was dismissed for just one run by Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana, leaving the side at 18 for 1 in the third over. However, a steady 45-run stand between Amy Hunter and Prendergast helped stabilize the innings.

 Hunter was the top scorer for Ireland, striking 37 from 30 balls, which included five boundaries. Prendergast added 29 off 26, striking three fours before falling in the 13th over to Rameen Shamim.

Following their dismissals, Leah Paul added quick runs in the middle overs, scoring 29 from 18 balls with four fours. She shared a brief 25-run partnership with Laura Delany before Pakistan's bowlers triggered a collapse. Ireland lost their remaining wickets rapidly and were all out for 142 in 19.4 overs.

Fatima Sana was outstanding with the ball, finishing with figures of 4 for 26, while Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Rameen Shamim, and Diana Baig took one wicket each.

In response, Pakistan’s chase faltered despite several promising individual efforts. Natalia Pervaiz gave the visitors a fighting chance with a quickfire 39 from just 23 deliveries, and Rameen Shamim contributed a brisk 27 from 20 balls. Yet, their efforts weren’t enough as the rest of the batting order failed to capitalize. Sidra Amin scored 15, while Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana both chipped in with 14 runs apiece. The rest of the lineup struggled to handle Ireland’s disciplined bowling attack.

Prendergast led the charge with the ball, claiming three wickets for 28 runs in her four overs. Jane Maguire supported her well with two scalps, while Ava Canning, Cara Murray, and Lara McBride each took one wicket to keep the pressure on Pakistan throughout their innings.

In the end, Pakistan finished on 131 for 9, falling short of the target by 11 runs.