LAHORE (Abdul Basit): The Pakistan women’s cricket team starts their 2025 international season today (Wednesday) with a three-match T20I series against Ireland Women at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin. This marks the fifth bilateral T20I series between the two nations, with matches scheduled for August 7, 8, and 10, all beginning at 4:00 PM local time.
Since their first-ever T20I meeting in Dublin in 2009, the rivalry has remained competitive. Both teams have won two bilateral T20I series each, though Pakistan holds a dominant head-to-head record, winning 15 of the 19 encounters to date. Their last T20I clash came during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, where Muneeba Ali made history by scoring the first-ever T20I century by a Pakistan women’s cricketer. That commanding performance led Pakistan to a 70-run victory at Newlands, Cape Town.
The Pakistan squad touched down in Dublin on August 3 after concluding a 17-day skills training camp followed by a five-day pre-tour camp at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi. The touring party includes 20-year-old batter Eyman Fatima, the only uncapped player in the squad. Sadaf Shamas was ruled out due to a left quadriceps injury and was replaced by Shawaal Zulfiqar.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Sadia Iqbal, currently the No. 1 ranked T20I bowler in the world, as she looks to consolidate her top spot. Ireland enter the series in fine form, having secured T20I and ODI series sweeps over Zimbabwe Women at home in July. The hosts will be keen to carry that momentum against a more seasoned Pakistan side.
Speaking before the team’s departure, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana expressed optimism. “Our morale is high as we begin a very important and busy season. The team has worked hard in training, and everyone is eager to contribute. We aim to build on our winning streak from the ICC World Cup Qualifier in April and carry that confidence into this series.”
SQUADS:
PAKISTAN: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Waheeda Akhtar.
IRELAND: Gaby Lewis (captain), Orla Prendergast (vice-captain), Amy Hunter (wk), Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Christina Coulter Reilly, Freya Sargent, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Rebecca Stokell.
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