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LAHORE, Pakistan – After what looked like a promising position in the chase of 217, a batting collapse that saw Ireland go from 96-1 to 179 all out put paid to Ed Joyce’s charges’ chances of an upset on the opening day of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier.  

Having won the toss early in the morning in Lahore, captain Gaby Lewis opted to bowl first. Opening bowler Jane Maguire (3-33) struck early and bowled well throughout. Pakistan then put together a good second-wicket partnership of 77 as Ireland battled in the heat and humidity, leaking 27 wides in the 49 overs they bowled.  

Two Pakistan batters, Sidra Amin (51) and Aliya Riaz (52), made it to the half-century mark but Ireland hit back quickly each time, with legspinner Cara Murray (2-49) showing her importance to the team by removing both of the set batters, though 70 runs apart.  

The Ireland bowling attack impressed in the final 15 overs in particular as they restricted Pakistan by taking consistent wickets, captain Gaby Lewis featuring with three catches and a run out in the closing stages. Pakistan will have felt some nerves at the half-way stage, feeling that at 153-2 they should have managed more than 217 all out in the 49^th over.  

Ireland were watchful in the chase, mindful that the Gaddafi Stadium is known as a batting paradise and hopeful of catching up later on. Opener Sarah Forbes (9) departed early but, just as was the case in the Pakistan innings, Ireland’s second-wicket partnership set the platform for the chase.  

Gaby Lewis showed strain in the conditions throughout her innings as she needed treatment for cramp on a number of occasions, and perhaps it was the 36 degree heat along with stifling humidity that contributed to her false step when she looked to sweep and was adjudged LBW for 44 from 67 deliveries.  

Amy Hunter was joined by Orla Prendergast with the score 96-2 and the two set about chipping away at what looked like a slightly under par target, but when Hunter went for 44 from 54 balls and Laura Delany (0) played inside the line of an attempted lap shot soon after, Pakistan sensed blood.  

Ireland never looked comfortable after that, and wickets continued to fall with Leah Paul (14) also out sweeping and Christina Coulter Reilly (4) caught and bowled soon after, the middle order were unable to pick up the slack. Pakistan’s two left-arm spinners, Sadia Iqbal (2-33) and Nashra Sandhu (3-41) were decisive for the home team, while the return to form of seamer Diana Baig (4-35) couldn’t have come at a better time as they look to press their home advantage.  

The defining moment, perhaps, was when star batter Prendergast (37) survived a catching opportunity only to miss a straight one soon after and leave too much for the lower order to do.  

Pakistan closed things out professionally, and Gaby Lewis’ side will be left to rue a missed opportunity as they look to bounce back on Friday against West Indies.  

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland Women v Pakistan Women, ODI World Cup Qualifier, Harare Sports Club, Pakistan – 9 April 2025

Pakistan 217 (49 overs; ; Aliya Riaz 52; J Maguire 3-33, A Kelly 2-34)

Ireland 179 (44 overs; A Hunter 44, G Lewis 44; Z Rehman 4-53)

Pakistan Women won by 38 runs

Scorecard here