Muneeba’s Ton Powers Pakistan to Consolation Win

News Desk

Islamabad: Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali smashed her second T20I century to guide Pakistan Women to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the third and final T20I at the Clontarf Cricket Club on Sunday afternoon.

Muneeba’s unbeaten 100 off 68 deliveries anchored Pakistan’s successful chase of 156, achieved with 14 balls to spare. She remains the only Pakistani woman to score a T20I century, having first accomplished the feat against the same opponents in February 2023 with a 66-ball ton.

The chase marked Pakistan Women’s highest successful run chase in T20Is and equalled their highest second-innings total, surpassing their previous best of 151 against South Africa in Karachi in 2023.

Chasing 156, Pakistan reached 55/2 by the end of the Powerplay, having lost openers Shawaal Zulfiqar and Natalia Parvaiz, the latter promoted up the order.

Muneeba launched the innings with three consecutive boundaries off Orla Prendergast, and added six more fours and a six in the next five overs. She brought up her half-century off 29 balls.

Joined by Aliya Riaz at No. 4, Muneeba stitched together an unbeaten 101-run partnership off 70 balls—the fourth century stand for Pakistan in Women’s T20Is, with Muneeba now involved in two of them. Aliya remained unbeaten on 39 off 27 balls, hitting five fours, as the pair saw Pakistan home in 17.4 overs. Muneeba’s century, brought up with the winning run, included 14 fours and one six.

Ireland’s bowling effort saw Ava Canning and Lara McBride claim one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Ireland posted 155/4 in their 20 overs, led by a quick 52-run opening stand between captain Gaby Lewis (36 off 22, 8x4s) and Amy Hunter (29 off 33, 3x4s, 1×6). Player of the series Orla Prendergast anchored the innings with an unbeaten 64 off 46 balls, striking eight boundaries.

Pakistan’s bowling was shared evenly with Rameen Shamim, Waheeda Akhtar, Sadia Iqbal, and Fatima Sana each picking up one wicket.

Match Summary – 3rd T20I: Pakistan beat Ireland by 8 wickets
Venue: Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin
Ireland: 155/4 in 20 overs (Orla Prendergast 64*, Gaby Lewis 36, Amy Hunter 29; Rameen Shamim 1/18)
Pakistan: 156/2 in 17.4 overs (Muneeba Ali 100*, Aliya Riaz 39*; Ava Canning 1/17)
Player of the Match: Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)
Player of the Series: Orla Prendergast (Ireland)

Series Results:

• 6 Aug – 1st T20I: Ireland won by 11 runs
• 8 Aug – 2nd T20I: Ireland won by 4 wickets
• 10 Aug – 3rd T20I: Pakistan won by 8 wickets