Pakistan Women began their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifier campaign on a winning note, securing a gritty 38-run victory over Ireland in a low-scoring thriller on Wednesday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Electing to bat first on a scorching 39°C day, Pakistan were bowled out for 217 in the 49th over. Aliya Riaz played a crucial knock, scoring a quick 52 off 58 balls, which included four boundaries and a six. Sidra Amin added a patient 50 from 110 deliveries, anchoring the innings after an early wobble. Despite being comfortably placed at 153-3 at one stage, Pakistan lost momentum and couldn’t capitalize, with Ireland’s bowlers staging a strong comeback.
Jane Maguire led the charge for Ireland, picking up three wickets for just 33 runs in her 10 overs, including the dismissals of Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Nawaz. Gull Feroza, who made her ODI debut, had a brief stay at the crease despite her T20 experience.
Chasing 218 for victory, Ireland looked in control early in the innings, reaching 95-1. However, the Pakistani bowlers turned the tide. Pacer Diana Baig delivered a brilliant performance, removing key batters including opener Sarah Forbes early, before cleaning up the tail. She finished with outstanding figures of 4-35 in 9 overs and was rightly named Player of the Match.
Speaking after the match, Diana said, “As a bowling unit, we knew if we stayed disciplined and took the match deep, pressure would get to them.” She credited the team effort and said the side would remain grounded for the rest of the qualifiers.
Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was equally impressive, claiming three wickets and stalling Ireland’s progress in the middle overs. Her spell included the key wickets of Irish captain Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, and Laura Delany. Ireland’s innings folded for 179, ending with a run-out initiated by Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana.
Fatima, reflecting on the game, said, “We were aiming for 240+ initially, but once we saw the pitch, we knew 217 could be enough. The team delivered, especially our seniors like Diana stepping up with the ball.”
None of the Irish batters managed to reach a half-century. Lewis and Hunter both fell for 44, leaving the rest of the batting lineup unable to handle Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and tight fielding.
With this victory, Pakistan top the points table in the six-team qualifying event, which also includes Bangladesh, Scotland, Thailand, and West Indies. The tournament follows a single round-robin format, with matches being held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground from April 9 to 19.
This is the first time Pakistan is hosting an ICC women’s event, and their preparations seem to be paying off. They had already won both warm-up matches — against Thailand and West Indies — before this opening clash.
The top two teams from this qualifier will advance to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 to be held in India. Pakistan, who have qualified for the main event in all previous editions they’ve contested, will next face Scotland at the LCCA Ground on Friday.
