POTCHEFSTROOM: Pakistan put on an all-round performance to thump Ireland by seven wickets and scripted a winning start to their ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Super Six.
After opting to bat first, Ireland could accumulate 113/7 in their allotted 20 overs at the back of a gritty half-century by Annabel Squires.
Ireland had a frustrating start to their innings as both openers – Rebecca Gough and Joanna Loughran – perished cheaply for a combined score of just 12 in the fourth over.
Following the slump, Squires stood firm and kept the scoreboard ticking single-handedly as she did not receive any support from the other end.
The right-handed batter remained unbeaten with 55 off 52 deliveries and smashed five boundaries.
Besides Squires, only Zara Craig (17) remained the notable run-getter while no other batter could hold on for long against a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack.
Anosha Nasir and Rida Aslam bagged two wickets each for Pakistan, while Areesha Noor and Mahnoor Aftab struck out a batter apiece.
Set to chase 114, Pakistan comfortably sailed through for the loss of just three wickets with 17 balls to spare; courtesy of a combined effort from their batters.
Openers Shawaal Zulfiqar and Eyman Fatima led a solid foundation for the run chase with a brisk 44-run partnership before both batters perished on consecutive deliveries.
Fatima scored a quick 25 off just 17 balls, while Shawaal struck a 20-ball 18.
Following their departure, skipper Syeda Arooba Shah led from the front with her quickfire knock of 35 and top-scored for her side before walking back to the dugout in the 15th over.
She scored 35 off just 25 deliveries and hit four boundaries.
Following Aroob’s dismissal, Warda Yousaf (24*) stitched an unbeaten 17-run partnership with Laiba Nasir (7*) and led her side to glory.
For Ireland, Zara, Freya Sargent and Georgina Dempsey struck out a batter each.
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