LAHORE: Ireland women’s cricket team outclassed Pakistan by 34 runs in the third T20I to claim a historic series victory by 2-1 at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Wednesday.
The series triumph over Pakistan marked the Irish team’s first away series victory and also the first for any Irish side in Asia.
Ireland, after opting to bat first, managed to accumulate 167/4 in their quota of 20 overs, courtesy of a magnificent half-century from their opening batter Gaby Lewis.
The Irish top-order laid a solid foundation for a decent total with Lewis leading the way with an astonishing 71-run knock in just 46 deliveries, laced with 11 boundaries and a six.
Another Irish opener Amy Hunter scored 40 off 35 deliveries and helped Lewis in stitching the 110-run opening stand that put the Irish women in command.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s No.3 Orla Prendergast also chipped in with a quick 37 off just 23 balls with the help of three boundaries and a six.
Nida Dar, Nashra Sandhu and Ghulam Fatima could only manage to pick a wicket each for Pakistan.
Set to chase 168, Pakistan’s batting lineup failed and could only amass 133 before bundling out in the 19th over.
Experienced batter Javeria Khan notched up a magnificent half-century in the run chase; scoring 50 in 37 balls, laced with seven boundaries.
The right-handed batter, however, received no support from the other end as Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals before bundling out in the 19th over.
Besides Javeria, Dar (26) was the other notable run scorer, followed by Fatima Sana (14). Whereas seven of the Pakistan batters failed to amass double figures.
Arlene Kelly and Laura Delany bagged three wickets each for Ireland, while Jane Maguire claimed two.
Following consistent performances throughout the series, Ireland’s Lewis bagged the Player of the Series award. She finished as the top-scorer of the series with 144 runs.
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