Eire Ladies delivered a spectacular efficiency at Fortress Avenue, defeating Pakistan Ladies by 4 wickets in a high-scoring second T20I. This nail-biting victory not solely showcased Eire’s rising prowess within the shortest format but in addition sealed the three-match collection 2-0 with one recreation remaining, a lot to the delight of the house crowd. The match was a testomony to aggressive cricket, that includes spectacular batting shows from either side and a dramatic end.
Pakistan units a formidable complete
After profitable the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first, aiming to submit a commanding complete. Their innings was a collective effort, with a number of batters making vital contributions to achieve a formidable 168 for six of their allotted 20 overs. The opening pair of Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar supplied a strong basis. Muneeba Ali scored a fast 27 runs off 22 balls, hitting 3 fours and a six, setting an aggressive tone early on. Shawaal Zulfiqar adopted up with a composed 33 runs off 27 deliveries, discovering the boundary six occasions.
Because the innings progressed, the center order capitalized on the sturdy begin. Eyman Fatima added a brisk 23 off 16 balls, whereas Natalia Pervaiz accelerated the scoring charge considerably with a fast 31 runs from simply 17 balls, together with 5 fours. In the direction of the top, Sana Fatima chipped in with a significant 23 runs from 16 deliveries, making certain Pakistan completed with a aggressive complete.
For Eire, the bowling effort was difficult in opposition to Pakistan’s aggressive batters. Nonetheless, the spin duo of Cara Murray and Lara McBride stood out, every choosing up 2 essential wickets whereas managing to maintain a test on the scoring charge in phases. Orla Prendergast additionally contributed with a wicket, however total, it was a tricky day for the Irish bowlers, with Jane Maguire, Ava Canning, and Arlene Kelly going wicketless.
Eire’s resilient chase and Rebecca Stokell’s match-winning knock
Chasing a difficult goal of 169, Eire demonstrated outstanding composure and power-hitting, notably within the loss of life overs. The innings began with Gaby Lewis contributing 21 runs off 22 balls, offering a secure opening. Nonetheless, it was the in-form Orla Prendergast who really set the tone for the chase with an distinctive half-century. She scored 51 runs off simply 34 deliveries, showcasing her skill to mix aggression with calculated strokes, hitting 4 fours and a couple of sixes.
Regardless of dropping Leah Paul cheaply and skipper Laura Delany enjoying a strong knock of 42 runs off 34 balls, Eire discovered themselves in a good spot within the remaining few overs, needing a big variety of runs. This was when Rebecca Stokell stepped as much as ship a sensational, match-winning efficiency. Coming in beneath immense stress, Stokell unleashed a flurry of boundaries, smashing an unbeaten 34 runs from a mere 16 balls, together with 4 fours. Her blistering innings fully modified the complexion of the sport, taking the momentum away from Pakistan.
The dramatic conclusion noticed Jane Maguire hit a six off the ultimate ball of the match, sealing the victory for Eire with 4 wickets in hand. For Pakistan, Rameen Shamim was the decide of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 36 runs. Nonetheless, regardless of efforts from Sana Fatima and Sadia Iqbal, who picked up a wicket every, the remainder of the bowling assault struggled to include Eire’s cost, particularly in the direction of the top.
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Stokell’s fearless and impactful batting earned her the well-deserved Participant of the Match award.
Rebecca Stokell delivered a strong innings that secured win for Eire within the 2nd T20I 🌟#girls #cricket #IREvsPAK #IrelandCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/N3bfsdCjJf
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) August 9, 2025
This victory not solely secures the collection for Eire but in addition highlights their rising confidence and talent to carry out beneath stress in opposition to sturdy worldwide opposition. Each groups will now look ahead to the third and remaining T20I, which shall be performed on Sunday, August 10, on the similar venue.
Additionally READ: Orla Prendergast’s all-round present powers Eire to an exciting win in opposition to Pakistan in Ladies’s T20I collection opener
This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Occasions firm.