Pakistan Women Defeat Ireland by 38 Runs in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 Opener at Gaddafi Stadium

Lahore, April 9, 2025:
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 kicked off with an exciting encounter between Pakistan Women and Ireland Women at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. In a game that showcased grit, talent, and brilliant bowling performances, Pakistan emerged victorious, defeating Ireland by 38 runs to start their campaign on a high.

First Innings: Pakistan Post a Competitive 217

Winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Pakistan Women posted a total of 217 runs in 49 overs, courtesy of a balanced batting performance and valuable partnerships throughout the innings.

Opener Muneeba Ali provided stability with a composed 32 off 59 balls, while Sidra Amin held the innings together with a patient knock of 51 runs off 112 deliveries. Her innings proved vital in anchoring the middle overs.

The turning point of the innings came with Aliya Riaz’s explosive 52 off 58 balls, peppered with 4 fours and a six, boosting Pakistan’s scoring rate in the second half. The lower order chipped in with small but useful contributions, particularly Sadia Iqbal’s 4-ball 3 and Nashra Sandhu’s unbeaten 2.

Ireland’s bowling unit put up a spirited effort. Jane Maguire stood out, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs in her 10 overs. Cara Murray also bagged 2 wickets, including the crucial scalp of Sidra Amin. Arlene Kelly chipped in with 2 wickets, dismissing the in-form Fatima Sana and Diana Baig.

Extras proved to be a major boost for Pakistan, with Ireland conceding 29 extras, including a whopping 27 wides that added pressure to their bowlers.

Second Innings: Diana Baig and Nashra Sandhu Dominate

Chasing a target of 218, Ireland Women struggled to build momentum against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. They were bowled out for 179 runs in 44 overs, falling short by 38 runs.

Opener Sarah Forbes started cautiously but fell LBW to Diana Baig after scoring 9 off 29 balls. Captain Gaby Lewis attempted to steady the innings with a well-crafted 44 off 67 balls but couldn’t find enough support at the other end.

Amy Hunter (44 off 54) and Orla Prendergast (37 off 53) showed some resistance in the middle order, adding crucial runs, but the Pakistani bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. The collapse began with the wicket of Laura Delany for a duck, as Ireland lost four wickets in just 7 overs.

Diana Baig was the star with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for 35 runs in her 9 overs. Her pace and control proved too much for the Irish batters.

Complementing her was Nashra Sandhu, who spun a web around the middle order, scalping 3 wickets for just 41 runs in her full quota of 9 overs. Sadia Iqbal also bowled economically, grabbing 2 wickets and conceding only 32 runs in her 9-over spell.

Ireland’s last hope faded quickly as they slipped from 153-5 to 179 all out, losing their final five wickets for just 26 runs.

Turning Points and Key Performances

  • Aliya Riaz’s powerful 52 gave Pakistan the edge when it mattered most, accelerating the scoring rate during the final overs.

  • Diana Baig’s all-round contribution—scoring 1 and claiming 4 wickets—played a pivotal role in dismantling Ireland’s batting order.

  • Nashra Sandhu’s key wickets of Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter turned the tide decisively in Pakistan’s favor.

  • Ireland’s excessive 27 wides were costly, gifting Pakistan nearly five extra overs of scoring opportunities.

Score Summary

Pakistan Women: 217 all out (49.0 overs)
Sidra Amin 51 (112), Aliya Riaz 52 (58), Jane Maguire 3/33, Cara Murray 2/49

Ireland Women: 179 all out (44.0 overs)
Amy Hunter 44 (54), Gaby Lewis 44 (67), Diana Baig 4/35, Nashra Sandhu 3/41

Result: Pakistan Women won by 38 runs
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Player of the Match: Diana Baig

Looking Ahead

With this confident win, Pakistan Women have not only kick-started their World Cup Qualifier journey on a strong note but also sent a clear message to their opponents. The synergy between their batters and bowlers was evident, and the team will now aim to carry this momentum forward.

For Ireland Women, the loss serves as a wake-up call. While their top order showed potential, middle-order collapses and extras conceded were their undoing. They’ll need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture.

The ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 promises to bring more action, and with both teams displaying competitive spirit, fans can expect an exciting tournament in the days to come.

Stay tuned for more updates, match reports, and expert analysis from the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025.