Pakistan Women edge Ireland by 13 runs in rain-hit tri-series match

BREADY: Nida Dar starred with an all-round performance as Pakistan Women’s cricket team beat Ireland by 13 runs in a rain-reduced 14 overs per side match in the third encounter of the ongoing tri-nation series, here at Bready Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. 

Muneeba Ali and Nida Dar played crucial knocks of 29 and 26, respectively to bolster the Green Shirts to post a competitive total of 92 after electing to bat first.

Ireland, however, underwent complete chaos during their chase despite a flourishing start provided by the openers Gaby Lewis and Rebecca Stokell.

Tuba Hassan gave Pakistan a much-needed initial breakthrough in the 8th over after she bowled out Stokell on 19, dismantling the 55-run opening partnership.

Dar then struck in the 12th over to force the panic mode in the Ireland camp as the team slid from 74/2 to 83/6 during the next two overs.

Lewis shone with her phenomenal individual knock of 47 off 41 balls but failed to finish the game on a positive note for her team after she was run out in the 14th over.

For Pakistan, Tuba, Dar and Fatima Sana bagged a wicket apiece while three of the Ireland batters went back following runouts to seal the first win for the Green Shirts in the tri-nation series.

Earlier, the opening encounter of the tri-nation series between Pakistan and Australia ended without a result as the game was washed out due to rain.

Meanwhile, Australia Women beat Ireland by nine wickets in the second match of the series on Sunday.

Pakistan will now face Australia for the second time in the tri-nation series on Saturday before their final game on Sunday against Ireland.

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