Hosts Pakistan began their campaign with a victory against Ireland in the opening match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2025. They defeated the Gaby Lewis-led side by 38 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, 9 April 2025. (More Cricket News)
Asked to bat first, the hosts lost their opener batter Gull Feroza in the second over. Then, Muneeba Ali added 77 runs for the second wicket with half-centurion Sidra Amin.
Aliya Riaz played a quick 52-run knock in just 58 balls. Captain Fatima Sana made a cameo of 19 runs, but the rest of the batters failed to keep the momentum, and they were restricted to 217 runs in 49 overs.
Jane Maguire picked up three wickets for Ireland, whereas Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray took a couple of wickets each. Orla Prendergast also managed to get a wicket in the match.
In response, Sarah Forbes and Gaby Lewis (44) started slowly but managed to add 27 runs before Diana Baig dismissed Forbes. Amy Hunter looked in fine touch and made 44 runs.
Orla Prendergast also played a crucial knock of 37 runs, but the middle-order failed to contribute, and the batting collapsed. The hosts restricted them to 179 runs and won the match by 38 runs.
Diana Baig took four wickets, and Nashra Sandhu bagged three wickets. Sadia Iqbal also picked up a couple of wickets in the match.
Now, Pakistan will face Scotland in their next match in Lahore, whereas Ireland will take on the West Indies at the same venue on Friday, 11 April.
