ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Women’s cricket team, led by Fatima Sana, will begin their international season with a three-match T20I series against Ireland starting August 6 at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.
This bilateral contest, the fifth of its kind between the two sides, commences on Wednesday, 6 August, with the remaining matches scheduled for 8 and 10 August, all beginning at 4 PM local time (8 PM PST).
With two white-ball World Cups on the horizon, this series is more than a curtain-raiser — it’s the ignition of a season that promises intensity, transformation, and opportunity.
Rivalry renewed
Pakistan and Ireland have built a quiet yet intriguing rivalry over the years, splitting four bilateral series 2-2 since their first encounter in a one-off T20I back in 2009, also in Dublin.
Statistically, however, Pakistan enters as favourites, boasting 15 wins in 19 T20I matches against the Irish.
It was just last year when Muneeba Ali etched her name in history with a T20I century at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, leading Pakistan to a thumping 70-run win over Ireland in Cape Town.
Trophy unveiled for the Pakistan 🆚 Ireland T20I series ©️🏆
The first match will take place tomorrow 🏏#IREWvPAKW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/CchY2CvxAS
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 5, 2025
That memory still echoes, and Pakistan will look to carry that momentum into the series.
Leading with purpose
At just 23, Fatima Sana is leading a unit that blends youthful promise with international experience. Speaking before departure, she radiated confidence:
“Our morale is high before the beginning of a busy season. All the players have put in a lot of hard work to improve their skills in the Karachi camp and everyone is looking forward to give their best in the T20I series.”
The squad arrived in Dublin on 3 August, fresh off a rigorous 17-day skills camp and an additional five-day pre-tour camp at Karachi’s Hanif Muhammad High Performance Centre.
Fresh faces
Among the 15-player squad, Eyman Fatima, a 20-year-old batting talent, is the only uncapped player. Sadaf Shamas, originally part of the squad, has been replaced by Shawaal Zulfiqar due to injury.
The team also boasts the services of Sadia Iqbal, currently the No.1 ranked T20I bowler in the world, whose spell-binding form could be pivotal.
Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Diana Baig, and Tuba Hassan round off a formidable unit with a well-balanced blend of aggression and discipline.
Ireland’s home advantage
Ireland, led by Gaby Lewis, will not be an easy opponent. The hosts come into the series after back-to-back clean sweeps against Zimbabwe in both T20Is and ODIs in July.
With match-winners like Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, and Laura Delany, the Irish side will look to defend home turf with grit and flair.
What’s at stake
For Pakistan, this series is more than just about rankings. It marks the beginning of a journey that will pass through continental and global tournaments.
The team’s last official outing was the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in April, where they remained unbeaten — a streak they’re determined to protect.
For Ireland, it’s about seizing the moment. The home crowd, familiar pitches, and recent success give them a chance to upset a more experienced opposition.
Series schedule
Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
All matches at 4 PM local time (8 PM PST)
- 6 August – 1st T20I
- 8 August – 2nd T20I
- 10 August – 3rd T20I
