Ireland Women have mounted their highest-ever successful run-chase in T20 International cricket, defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets at Clontarf today.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan quickly set about compiling a highly-competitive score of 176-6 in their 20 overs. Opener Muneeba Ali Siddiqi’s 65 off 41 balls contributed to a fast start – travelling at nearly 10-an-over during the first powerplay.
The home side may have put down several tough catches, but closed out the innings well with a wicket and just three runs in the last over to restrict Pakistan to 176-6 – an innings that at one stage looked destined for 200+. For Ireland, Ava Canning took two wickets, while Orla Prendergast, Arlene Kelly and Alana Dalzell took one apiece.
Needing 177 to win, Amy Hunter set about striking balls to all parts of the ground. Her 56 (41 balls) featured 7 fours and a six and fell in the 12th over trying to loft a ball over the long off boundary.
Rebecca Stokell (60* off 42 balls) began a measured innings early, happy to turn the strike over and let Hunter hit out. Once Hunter fell, Stokell took the more aggressive role and the runs began to flow – her partnership with Prendergast of 77 off 40 balls put Ireland within striking distance of the target.
Prendergast fell for 33 off 17 balls in the penultimate over, however, by then the required run rate had fallen steeply. Leah Paul (4*) came to the crease to help knock off the last few runs, and completed the task from the first ball of the last over with a single to Stokell.
Ireland is back in action tomorrow at the same venue against the West Indies.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Women v Pakistan Women, T20I Tri-Series, Clontarf, 31 May 2026
Pakistan 176-6 (20 overs; M Ali 65; A Canning 2-35)
Ireland 177-3 (19.1 overs; R Stokell 60*, A Hunter 56; A Zafar 2-24)
Ireland Women won by 7 wickets
