History was made when Ireland and Pakistan had a T20I series, being the first ever played in Lahore, Pakistan. International games between the team date back nearly 60 years, but this was the first time the cricket-loving country was able to host.
“We’ve had a fantastic welcome and the hotel even has an Irish menu for us, which was a really nice touch.”
The Irish women defeated the host Pakistan women 2-1 out of three matches. The last game on Wednesday was when Ireland scored 167/4 in 20 overs, with Gaby Lewis hitting a quickfire 71 runs off 46 balls. Chasing the target of 168 runs, Pakistan was bowled out for 133/10 in 18.5 overs.
By the second match, the teams were tied 1-1 thanks to Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter and Arlene Kelly. The team was caught celebrating on the bus to the hotel through a viral tweet captioned “The singing has started. Just can’t get enough”
The singing has started.
🎶 Just can’t get enough 🎶#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 @HanleyEnergy pic.twitter.com/RiLyXlYev5— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) November 16, 2022
This was the first T20I series win for any Irish team in Asia. However, it must be said that Pakistan swept Ireland 3-0 in the ODI series which took place during the tour.
This was Ireland’s first game in the expanded ICC Women’s Championship with an automatic qualification up for grabs for the 2025 World Cup. This tour will start a movement in the team’s development because this is their first action after qualifying for the T20 World Cup, which takes place in South Africa in February.
This series win is HUGE and shouldn't fall under the radar on a week when so many senior international teams are in action. First ever overseas series win, and a massive boost ahead of T20 World Cup in Feb @IrishWomensCric @cricketireland https://t.co/R1AhBYbRIR
— Evanne Ní Chuilinn (@EvanneNiC) November 16, 2022
Squads
Pakistan: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Nashra Sandhu, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin and Umm-e-Hani
Reserve player: Sidra Nawaz
Ireland: Laura Delany (c), Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson, Gaby Lewis, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Mary Waldron, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Shauna Kavanagh and Sophie MacMahon
