Ireland Women’s steady rise in T20 cricket continued in Dublin, as they edged Pakistan 2–1 in a closely fought series at Clontarf. It’s the second time in three years they have beaten Pakistan over three matches following on from their 5-0 sweep [3-0 in T20Is, 2-0 in ODIs] against Zimbabwe earlier this summer.

The opening game saw Ireland post 142, Amy Hunter top-scored with 37 with vital contributions from Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul. The Irish bowlers, though, sealed the win with some tight and incisive bowling from Prendergast, Jane Maguire, and Ava Canning as Pakistan fell 11 runs short.

The second match brought the kind of finish that etches itself into the cricketing folklore. Chasing 168, Ireland required four from the final ball. Maguire, facing her first delivery of the match, smacked a full toss for a six, capping off a thrilling finish. It was incidentally the first six of her international career.

The crowd roared as Ireland clinched the series with a match to spare and completed another high-pressure finish successfully. A recurring theme in their recent wins against higher-ranked opponents.

Pakistan hit back strongly in the third match. After opting to bat Ireland set 156 to chase thanks to Prendergast’s 64*. In reply, opener Muneeba Ali struck 14 fours and a six in an unbeaten knock of 103*. A stellar century from the left-handed opener, helped Pakistan reach their target with 14 balls remaining and earn a consolation win. 

Prendergast was once again the standout player in the series and after leading the runs tally with 144 runs to go with her four wickets, the all-rounder was named Player of the Series.

The scoreline of the series win 2-1 was Ireland’s second such victory over Pakistan in recent times, having beaten them in Lahore, three years ago. The timing could hardly be better. Later this month Ireland travel to the Netherlands for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, where they will start as favourites to advance. The Pakistan series has given them recent match practice against strong opposition, tested their ability to close out games, and confirmed the depth in both batting and bowling.

Under Gaby Lewis’s leadership and Lloyd Tennant’s early months as head coach, Ireland are building not just results but a habit of winning. Clearly showcasing that Ireland Women are no longer outsiders hoping to cause a surprise, they are a side setting their own expectations, and meeting them fairly regularly.

That sentiment was echoed by Prendergast, who said, “There is still a sense that we ‘shock’ these higher-ranked teams when we beat them and I’d like to know how many times we have to beat them before it isn’t a shock any more.”