Ireland Women won the first game of the three-match T20I series in Dublin, defeating Pakistan Women by 11 runs. Orla Prendergast was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance.
Chasing a 143-run target, Pakistan were in all sorts of trouble, losing six wickets for just 70 runs in 13 overs. Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, and skipper Fatima Sana all failed to make significant contributions. Some resistance came later from Natalia Pervaiz (29 off 23) and Rameen Shamim (27 off 20), but it wasn’t enough, as Pakistan finished on 131/9 in their 20 overs.
For Ireland, Prendergast impressed with the ball, taking three wickets. Jane Maguire picked up two, while Ava Canning, Cara Murray, and Lara McBride claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first and managed to bowl Ireland out for 142 in 19.4 overs. Prendergast, before shining with the ball, made a valuable 29 off 26. She and Amy Hunter put together a 45-run stand for the second wicket, with Hunter scoring 37 off 30. Leah Paul also made a quick 28 off 19 as Ireland crossed the 140-run mark.
For Pakistan, skipper Fatima Sana stood out with the ball, claiming four wickets.
The second T20I is scheduled for August 8 in Dublin. With this win, Ireland have taken a 1-0 lead in the series. They will aim to seal the series in the next match, while Pakistan will look to bounce back and keep the contest alive.
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