Shawaal and Natalia Shine for Pakistan in T20I

DUBLIN: Natalia Pervaiz’s explosive innings of 31 runs propelled Pakistan to a competitive score in the second T20I against Ireland at the Clontarf Cricket Club on Friday.

After electing to bat, the visiting team posted a total of 168/6 in their 20 overs.

Pakistan’s innings began with a solid partnership between the new opening pair, Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar, who contributed 62 runs in the first eight overs before both were dismissed in quick succession.

Shawaal emerged as the highest scorer for Pakistan, accumulating 33 runs from 27 balls, which included six boundaries. Muneeba added 27 runs off 22 deliveries, hitting three fours and a six.

Following the loss of both openers, Natalia and Eyman Fatima combined effectively to build a crucial 43-run partnership for the third wicket. This stand was broken when Natalia was caught out by Lara McBride in the 13th over.

Fatima contributed 23 runs from 16 balls, with two fours and a six.

Natalia then partnered with captain Fatima Sana, adding 30 runs for the fourth wicket, further boosting Pakistan’s total.

Ireland’s Cara Murray ended the promising partnership by dismissing Natalia, who scored a quick 31 off just 17 balls, including four boundaries.

Captain Fatima was dismissed two overs later by Orla Prendergast, after scoring 23 runs off 16 balls with one four and a six.

Tuba Hassan, batting at number seven, provided valuable runs towards the end, ensuring Pakistan surpassed the 160-run mark with an unbeaten 10.

For Ireland, Lara McBride and Murray each claimed two wickets, while Prendergast took one.