Ireland faced a frustrating loss in their opening game against Pakistan at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The loss announced a tough opening to their run in the Women’s World Cup qualifier. The Pakistani squad defeated the Indian team by 38 runs, preparing for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
Pakistan went in to bat first and scored a decent total of 217 runs. Riaz and Sidra Ameen were instrumental in this total. Riaz lashed 52 runs off just 27 balls, whereas Ameen chipped in 51 runs. Pakistan’s excellent start to the match was largely built on the promise of their efforts.
In response, Ireland started strong, reaching 96 runs for the loss of just one wicket, thanks to a significant partnership between captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter. The duo constructed a solid 69-run partnership that gave Ireland’s chase real impetus and expectation. The game took a pivotal swing as Ireland’s batting order completely crumbled, plummeting nine wickets for only 83 runs.
This steep decline in productivity really performed to showcase the trouble this Indian team had in the face of Pakistan’s dangerous bowling unit. Jane Maguire was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland, taking 3/15 from seven overs and proving herself a genuine threat to the Pakistan batting line-up. Though she tired and her wicket fell, Ireland could only scrimp together 179 runs before being bowled all out. They did not come close to making the mark.
The full 49 overs of the game were reached with both teams offering up impressive performances in a nail biter of a match up. Ultimately, Pakistan’s early innings strength combined with Ireland’s late collapse determined the outcome, leading to a 38-run victory for the hosts.
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