Pakistan Women Opt to Bowl as Ireland Women Post Early 74/2 in Thrilling 1st T20I Clash

On August 6, 2025, in a much-anticipated encounter at the Castle Avenue ground in Dublin, the Ireland Women’s cricket team set the stage by scoring a brisk 74 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 10.1 overs during the first T20 International against Pakistan Women. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and chose to field first, signaling confidence in her bowling attack to restrict the home side early.

Ireland’s innings saw an aggressive opening from Orla Prendergast, who scored 26 runs off 20 balls with a strike rate of 130, including three boundaries. She was well supported by Leah Paul, contributing a steady 5 runs from 5 balls at a strike rate of 100. Despite losing Gaby Lewis early for 18 runs, Prendergast’s composure kept the run rate afloat.

On the bowling front, Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu emerged as a key player early on by claiming the wicket of Amy Hunter, who had scored 37 runs off 30 balls. Sandhu bowled 1.1 overs, conceding 9 runs and taking one wicket. Backup spinners like Rameen Shamim bowled economically, conceding 24 runs in 3 overs, maintaining pressure on the Irish batters.

This inaugural T20I match is the first in the Pakistan Women tour of Ireland, 2025, with two more games scheduled to follow. The encounter is drawing significant attention in both countries, particularly in India where regional cricket enthusiasts are closely monitoring this South Asian-European cricketing face-off.

Live updates from CricTracker and MyKhel emphasize the competitive nature of the match, with Ireland’s batting showing promise against a disciplined Pakistani bowling unit. The match promises an exciting contest as Pakistan Women are yet to bat with a target of 75 runs to chase under conditions favoring batters.

Given the fast-paced progression and current scoreline, the match remains finely poised. Fans are eagerly awaiting the Pakistani innings where captain Fatima Sana and her team will look to showcase their prowess in Dublin’s unique playing conditions.

This contest not only furthers the cricketing rivalry between Ireland and Pakistan women’s teams but also highlights the growing prominence and competitiveness of women’s international cricket.