Dublin: The Pakistan Women’s cricket team is poised to kick off a demanding year in international cricket with a three-match T20I series against Ireland starting Wednesday, August 6, at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin. This marks the fifth bilateral T20I series between the two teams, with additional matches scheduled for August 8 and 10. Each match is set to commence at 4 p.m. local time.
Historically, both teams have secured two series victories against each other since their inaugural one-off T20I encounter in Dublin in May 2009. Pakistan has emerged victorious in 15 out of 19 T20Is against Ireland. The last T20I meeting saw Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali score the first-ever T20I century by a Pakistani woman during an ICC T20 World Cup 2023 match, leading to a 70-run victory for her team.
The Pakistan squad reached Dublin on August 3 after completing a 17-day skills camp and a five-day pre-tour camp in Karachi. The squad features 20-year-old Eyman Fatima as the sole uncapped player, while Shawaal Zulfiqar has replaced Sadaf Shamas due to injury. Notably, Sadia Iqbal, the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler, aims to maintain her lead with strong performances in the series.
Ireland’s team enters the series buoyed by recent successes, having achieved series sweeps against Zimbabwe Women in both T20I and ODI formats in July at home.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana expressed optimism before departure, highlighting the team’s high morale following intensive training in Karachi. She emphasized the team’s objective to maintain their unbeaten streak from the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in April.
The Pakistan squad includes key players such as captain Fatima Sana, Aliya Riaz, and Diana Baig, with support from a dedicated coaching and management team. Ireland’s lineup will be led by captain Gaby Lewis, accompanied by vice-captain Orla Prendergast and several other promising players.
The series presents an opportunity for both teams to test their skills and strategies, setting the stage for an exciting contest in women’s cricket.