Pakistan clinched a 38-run victory against Ireland in the opening match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, propelled by half-centuries from Aliya Riaz and Sidra Amin, and a four-wicket haul by Diana Baig.
After being put in to bat, the home side posted a modest total of 217 before being bowled out in 49 overs.
Pakistan’s innings began shakily as opener Gull Feroza (four) fell victim to Jane Maguire in the second over with just four runs on the scoreboard.
Following the early setback, Sidra Amin joined Muneeba Ali in the middle, and together they orchestrated an impressive recovery, adding 77 runs for the second wicket until the opener was dismissed.
Muneeba was also removed by Maguire in the 21st over, having scored 32 off 59 deliveries, including four boundaries.
Sidra then formed another crucial partnership for Pakistan, forging a 72-run stand with Aliya Riaz, which took their total past the 150-run mark.
This anchoring partnership ended with Sidra’s dismissal in the 36th over. She scored a patient 51 off 112 deliveries, hitting three fours.
Aliya followed suit just five overs later, departing after top-scoring for Pakistan with a 58-ball 52, which included four fours and a six.
Her dismissal triggered a lower-order collapse, with Pakistan losing their remaining six wickets for a mere 42 runs.
Maguire was the standout bowler for Ireland, claiming three wickets for just 33 runs in her 10 overs, while Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray each took two wickets.
Chasing a modest target of 218 runs, Ireland’s batting unit faltered, managing only 179 runs in 44 overs despite notable contributions from their top order.
Ireland appeared to be on track to chase down the total when skipper Gaby Lewis and wicketkeeper batter Amy Hunter were at the crease.
The duo had recovered Ireland from 27/1 in 8.1 overs to 96/2 in 23 overs until Nashra Sandhu dismissed both set batters within a span of 28 deliveries.
Lewis and Hunter were the joint top-scorers for Ireland, each scoring 44 runs.
Their back-to-back dismissals sparked a collapse, with Ireland losing their remaining seven wickets for just 66 runs and ultimately being bowled out for 179.
Middle-order batter Orla Prendergast was the other significant contributor for Ireland, scoring 37 off 53 balls.
Baig spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling attack, taking four wickets, followed by Sandhu with three, and Sadia Iqbal with two.
For her match-winning bowling performance, Baig was named the Player of the Match.
In the second match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, Scotland edged past West Indies by 11 runs, marking a triumphant start to their campaign.
