Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: A strong all-round performance from Pakistan guided them to a 38-run victory over Ireland in the opening match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Half-centuries from Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz, combined with Diana Baig’s four-wicket haul, ensured Pakistan’s winning start to the tournament.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a total of 217 runs in 49 overs after a shaky beginning with their opener, Gull Feroza, for just four runs in the second over, falling to Jane Maguire.
Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali came together to add 77 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing the innings. Muneeba was dismissed for 32 off 59 balls, with four boundaries, by Maguire in the 21st over.
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Sidra Amin continued her vital contribution, forming a 72-run partnership with Aliya Riaz. The pair took Pakistan past the 150-run mark before Sidra was dismissed for 51 off 112 balls, including three fours.
Aliya followed soon after, top-scoring for Pakistan with 52 off 58 balls, including four fours and a six. Her dismissal triggered a lower-order collapse, as Pakistan lost their final six wickets for just 42 runs.
Maguire was the standout bowler for Ireland, claiming three wickets for 33 runs in 10 overs, while Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray each took two wickets.
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Chasing 218, Ireland’s top order showed resilience, but their batting crumbled under pressure. The partnership between captain Gaby Lewis (44) and wicketkeeper Amy Hunter (44) took the score to 96/2.
However, both were dismissed by Nashra Sandhu in quick succession, triggering a collapse. Ireland was eventually bowled out for 179 in 44 overs, losing their last seven wickets for just 66 runs.
Orla Prendergast contributed 37 from 53 balls.
Diana Baig was the hero with the ball, taking four wickets, while Nashra Sandhu claimed three and Sadia Iqbal picked up two. Baig’s match-winning performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
