Milestone Moment for Fatima Sana as Ireland Stun Pakistan

News Desk 

Dublin: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana delivered a stellar bowling performance, claiming a T20I career-best 4-26 and reaching the milestone of 100 international wickets. 

However, her efforts weren’t enough to prevent Ireland from securing a narrow 11-run victory in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Clontarf Cricket Club on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Pakistan managed to dismiss Ireland for 142 in 19.4 overs. Fatima led from the front, dismantling the hosts’ middle order, including removing Ireland skipper Laura Delany to complete her century of wickets in international cricket.

Her previous best T20I bowling figures were 3-18 against New Zealand in Dunedin in 2023.

Amy Hunter top-scored for Ireland with a brisk 37 off 30 balls (5 fours), while Orla Prendergast contributed a crucial 29 from 26 deliveries. Leah Paul (28 off 19) and Delany (16 off 15) were the other notable scorers.

Ireland collapsed late in the innings, losing their last six wickets for just 21 runs. Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Diana Baig, and Rameen Shamim chipped in with a wicket apiece.

In reply, Pakistan’s chase faltered early as both openers fell cheaply, managing just 5 runs each. Despite small partnerships in the middle — including Sidra Amin’s 15 and Aliya Riaz’s 14 — the visitors were reduced to 70-6 by the 13th over.

A late fightback came from Natalia Parvaiz (29 off 23, 3 fours, 1 six) and Rameen Shamim (27 off 20, 4 fours), whose 31-run stand for the seventh wicket raised hopes. But Prendergast returned to break the partnership, tightening Ireland’s grip on the match.

Needing 22 runs off the final over, Pakistan could only manage 10, finishing at 131-9. Prendergast was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance, adding figures of 3-28 with the ball to her earlier knock. Jane Maguire supported with 2-20 in her four overs.

The second T20I will be played on August 8 at the same venue, with the final match of the series scheduled for August 10.

Match Summary – 1st T20I:

Venue: Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin

Result: Ireland won by 11 runs

Ireland 142 all out in 19.4 overs

(Amy Hunter 37, Orla Prendergast 29, Leah Paul 28; Fatima Sana 4-26)

Pakistan 131-9 in 20 overs

(Natalia Parvaiz 29, Rameen Shamim 27; Orla Prendergast 3-28, Jane Maguire 2-20)

Player of the Match: Orla Prendergast (Ireland)

Upcoming Fixtures:

2nd T20I – August 8, Clontarf Cricket Club

3rd T20I – August 10, Clontarf Cricket Club