Pakistan beat Ireland in ICC Women's World Cup qualifier opener
Pakistan kicked off their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier campaign with a 38-run win over Ireland at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, powered by half-centuries from Aliya Riaz and Sidra Amin and a four-wicket haul by Diana Baig.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a modest total of 217 before being bowled out in 49 overs. The home side recovered from an early setback, with opener Gull Feroza falling for four in just the second over.
Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali steadied the innings with a 77-run stand for the second wicket, before Muneeba departed for 32 off 59 balls. Sidra then partnered with Aliya Riaz to add 72 more runs, pushing the total past 150.
Sidra was dismissed in the 36th over for 51 off 112 deliveries, while Aliya top-scored with a brisk 52 off 58 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six. However, her exit triggered a lower-order collapse, with Pakistan losing their final six wickets for just 42 runs.
Ireland's Jane Maguire led the bowling attack with 3 for 33 in 10 overs, while Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray picked up two wickets each.
In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 179 in 44 overs, despite promising innings from captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter, who both scored 44. Their 69-run partnership kept Ireland in contention until Nashra Sandhu removed both in quick succession, derailing the chase.
Orla Prendergast added 37, but the lower order failed to resist Pakistan's bowlers. Diana Baig spearheaded the attack with figures of 4 for 28, while Sandhu took 3 for 29 and Sadia Iqbal chipped in with two wickets.
Baig was named Player of the Match for her match-winning spell.
In the day's other match, Scotland secured a narrow 11-run victory over West Indies to begin their qualifier campaign on a high note.
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