Pakistan Women won the first match of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2025 against Ireland Women by 38 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on April 9, Wednesday.
After Pakistan posted a total of 217 runs before getting bowled out in 49 overs, Ireland faced the task of chasing 218 runs to secure a winning start in their bid for a World Cup berth. The Irish innings, however, unfolded as a tale of resilience overshadowed by Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, ultimately resulting in a 38-run victory for the home side.
Ireland lost an early wicket in the form of Sarah Forbes in the ninth over.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter laid a solid foundation with their 69-run stand for the second wicket. But the Pakistani bowlers, led by Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal, kept the scoring in check with tight lines and relentless pressure.
Also read: ICC Women’s WC Qualifier PAK vs IRE Highlights: Pakistan Post 217 as Ireland Trigger Late Collapse
The breakthrough came when Nashra Sandhu, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner, struck in the 24th over, dismissing Lewis for 44 runs. Sandhu’s spell proved pivotal as she soon removed the dangerous Amy Hunter, who also perished after scoring 44 runs, in the 28th over.
In what was her third strike, Sandhu sent Laura Delany packing for a duck. Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul attempted to steady the ship with a partnership, but Sadia struck in the 38th over, dismissing the latter to reduce Ireland to 153 runs for 5 wickets.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
From there, the Irish batting crumbled under pressure. Baig, with her pace and accuracy, claimed quick wickets - Coulter Reilly, Arlene Kelly, and Louise Little - finishing with figures of 4 wickets for 35 runs in nine overs. Nashra also ended with 3 wickets for 41 runs, while Sadia’s 2 wickets for 33 runs ensured Ireland's downfall.
By the 44th over, Ireland was bundled for 179 runs, falling 38 runs short in the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2025 opener versus Pakistan.
To know more about today's ICC Women's WC Qualifier Match between PAK and IRE
Click here for PAK vs IRE live match commentary
