DUBLIN: Pakistan women’s cricket team defeated Ireland by eight wickets in the third and final T20 International at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground on Sunday, with Muneeba Ali scoring a record-breaking century.
Batting first, Ireland posted 155 for four in their 20 overs. Opener Orla Prendergast anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 from 46 balls, hitting eight boundaries.
She shared a 50-run opening stand with Amy Hunter, who made 29 from 33 deliveries, including three fours and a six.
Captain Gaby Lewis added quick runs with a 22-ball 36, striking eight boundaries, before falling to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Leah Paul (11) and Rebecca Stokell (5) failed to capitalise, while Laura Delany finished unbeaten on five from two balls.
For Pakistan, Fatima Sana, Sadia Iqbal, Waheeda Akhtar, and Rameen Shamim took one wicket apiece.
Pakistan’s chase began shakily, with Shawaal Zulfiqar dismissed for three and Natalia Pervaiz for nine.
However, Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz steadied the innings with a commanding unbroken 101-run partnership.
Muneeba’s unbeaten 100 from 68 balls featured 14 fours and a six, making her the only Pakistani woman to score two centuries in T20 Internationals. Aliya Riaz supported with 39 from 27 balls, hitting five boundaries.
Ireland’s Ava Canning and Lara McBride claimed a wicket each, but could not prevent Pakistan from reaching the target in 17.4 overs.
Despite the defeat, Ireland claimed the three-match series 2-1.
