LAHORE: Nida Dar starred with a brilliant all-round performance to help Pakistan women’s team beat Ireland by six wickets in the second Twenty20 international to level the three-match series by 1-1, here at Gaddafi Stadium on yesterday. Middle-order batter Ayesha Naseem smashed a quickfire 25 not-out off 12, hitting two sixes and four to take the Green Shirts home while chasing 119 in a rain-reduced 17 overs per side game.

The Player of the match, Dar,  grabbed two wickets before she went on to score 25-ball 28 to steer his side to a commanding position in the game. Opener Javeria Khan, however, top-scored for the side with a cautious knock of 35 off 39 while she stitched an anchoring 46-run partnership with Dar for the third wicket to frustrate the Irish bowlers. Earlier, Pakistan bowled superbly in the first innings after they opted to field first, reducing the visitors to 118/7 in the allotted 17 overs. Nashra Sandhu and Nida Dar stormed through the middle order, with each bagging two wickets and stuck Ireland to a low total despite a flourishing start.

For Ireland, opener Amy Hunter remained the top-scorer with her skilful knock of 36 off 39 while no 3 batter Orla Prendergast contributed 20 off 17. Rebecca Stokell, however, played a late cameo scoring 17 off 12 laced with two boundaries.  It is pertinent to mention here that the two teams will face each in the T20I series decider and last fixture of the Ireland Women’s tour of Pakistan yesterday (November 16) at the same venue.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 15 2022

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