DUBLIN; A stunning century from Muneeba Ali guided Pakistan’s women’s cricket team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Ireland in the third and final T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground on Sunday.
Batting first, Ireland posted a competitive 155-4 in 20 overs, anchored by Orla Prendergast’s unbeaten 64 off 46 balls, laced with eight fours. She shared a vital 50-run opening stand with Amy Hunter, who made 29 from 33 deliveries, hitting three boundaries and a six. Skipper Gaby Lewis added a brisk 36 off 22 balls with eight fours, while the rest of the middle order contributed modestly.
For Pakistan, Fatima Sana, Sadia Iqbal, Waheeda Akhtar, and Rameen Shamim picked up one wicket apiece.
Chasing 156, Pakistan suffered early blows with Shawaal Zulfiqar (3) and Natalia Pervaiz (9) dismissed cheaply. However, wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz took control, stitching together an unbeaten 101-run stand to seal the win in just 17.4 overs.
Muneeba’s masterful 100 came off 68 balls, featuring 14 fours and a six, making her the only Pakistani woman to score two T20I centuries. Aliya provided solid support with 39 off 27 deliveries, including five fours.
Ava Canning and Lara McBride claimed a wicket each for Ireland, who had already secured the series 2-1 despite the loss.
