Ireland Clinch T20 Series Against Pakistan with Last-Ball Six

News Desk 

Dulblin: Jane Maguire smashed a six off the final ball to seal a thrilling four-wicket win for Ireland over Pakistan, securing the three-match T20 international series 2-0 with one game to spare at Clontarf Cricket Club on Saturday.

The hosts, who had already drawn first blood with an 11-run victory in Wednesday’s opener, extended their winning streak in the format to nine matches and are now eyeing a clean sweep, having also defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 last month. The final match will be played at the same venue on Sunday at 16:00 BST.

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Chasing Pakistan’s 168-run target, Ireland endured early setbacks with Amy Hunter run out for six, and captain Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul falling in quick succession during the fifth over. Orla Prendergast steadied the innings with a composed 51, including two sixes, before being dismissed by Rameen Shamim.

Laura Delany (42) and Rebecca Stokell (34) kept Ireland in the hunt, but it was Maguire who delivered the knockout blow – lofting her very first delivery down the ground for six to seal the series in dramatic style.

Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat after winning the toss. Shawaal Zulfiqar (27) and Muneeba Ali (33) provided a solid start before falling in consecutive overs to Lara McBride and Cara Murray. The pair struck again to remove Eyman Fatima and Natalia Pervaiz after their 54-run partnership, as Pakistan posted 168 by the break.

With the series already in the bag, Ireland now turn their attention to completing a whitewash, while Pakistan will be desperate to salvage pride in the final clash.