A Tense Start to the 2025 Women’s T20I Series
Ireland held their nerve in a closely fought contest, edging past Pakistan by 11 runs in the opening match of the three-match T20I series at Dublin’s Clontarf Cricket Club Ground on August 6, 2025.
Chasing a target of 143, Pakistan looked in control for parts of their innings but couldn’t finish the job. They ended on 131 for 9, falling just short in a game that stayed tense till the final overs.
Prendergast Delivers Under Pressure
Orla Prendergast played a match-winning role for Ireland with both bat and ball.
She scored 29 off 26 balls at a tricky moment in the first innings, and later returned with the ball to take three crucial wickets, disrupting Pakistan’s chase when they looked set to accelerate.
Her composure and impact at key moments earned her the Player of the Match award.
Amy Hunter Sets the Early Tone
Earlier, it was Amy Hunter who gave Ireland a confident start with a fluent 37 off 30 deliveries.
Her strokeplay in the powerplay gave the hosts early momentum, setting the platform for a total that — although not massive — turned out to be just enough. Ireland were bowled out for 142 in 19.4 overs, but Hunter’s innings made sure they had something to defend.
Fatima Sana Shines with Career-Best Spell
Pakistan’s captain, Fatima Sana, was the standout performer with the ball. She picked up 4 for 26, her best figures in T20 Internationals.
Her pace, variations, and ability to pick wickets at regular intervals kept Ireland in check. Thanks to her, Pakistan were always within striking distance — but the chase didn’t go to plan.
Final Overs Cost Pakistan the Game
At 100 for 5 in the 16th over, Pakistan still had a chance. But Ireland’s bowlers closed the match brilliantly.
Prendergast bowled with great control, supported by Jane Maguire (2 for 20) and Ava Canning, who denied boundaries in the crucial final overs.
The pressure built, the required run rate crept up, and Pakistan couldn’t find the calm finisher they needed.
Ireland’s Home Streak Grows
This win was Ireland’s eighth consecutive T20I victory at home — a run that speaks volumes about their form and self-belief in home conditions.
Pakistan will look at this as a match that slipped away. Their bowlers did their job, but the batters couldn’t finish it off — and it showed in the final result.
What’s Next?
The second T20I is scheduled for August 8, again at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin.
It’s a must-win for Pakistan if they want to stay alive in the series. Ireland, on the other hand, will look to seal the series with back-to-back wins.
For Pakistan, the focus will be on better execution — especially from their top and middle order — in crunch moments.
Match Summary
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📍 Venue: Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin
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Ireland Women: 142 all out in 19.4 overs
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Top scorers: Amy Hunter (37), Orla Prendergast (29)
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Pakistan Women: 131/9 in 20 overs
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Best bowler: Fatima Sana (4/26)
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✅ Result: Ireland won by 11 runs
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Player of the Match: Orla Prendergast
Final Word
This wasn’t a high-scoring game, but it was filled with tension, momentum shifts, and key moments.
Ireland stayed cool under pressure, while Pakistan let the match slip away in the final overs. With two matches still to go, the series is wide open — and if the next game is anything like this one, fans are in for another nail-biter.
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