Pakistan edged Ireland by 38 runs in the opening match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025.
With Aliya Riaz’s quickfire 52 and Diana Baig’s 4-wicket haul guiding the hosts to victory.
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📋Match Analysis:
Hosts Pakistan overcame a mid-innings collapse to secure a 38-run victory against Ireland in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 opener.
Batting first, Pakistan recovered from early setbacks (Feroza Gull 4) through Sidra Amin’s patient 51 and Aliya Riaz’s explosive 52 (58 balls). Ireland’s Jane Maguire (3/33) triggered a late collapse, restricting Pakistan to 217/10.
In reply, Ireland’s Gaby Lewis (44) and Amy Hunter (44) built a 69-run partnership, but Pakistan’s Diana Baig (4/35) and Nashra Sundhu (3/28) dismantled the chase.
Key Moments:
- Riaz’s aggressive innings provided momentum, while Amin’s steady hand stabilized Pakistan’s batting.
- Ireland’s middle-order struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack, particularly Sundhu’s three wickets.
- Baig’s four-wicket haul in the death overs sealed the win.
📊Data Scorecard
| Team | Score | Key Performances |
| Pakistan | 217/10 (49 overs) | Aliya Riaz (52), Sidra Amin (51), Diana Baig (4/35) |
| Ireland | 179/10 (44 overs) | Gaby Lewis (44), Amy Hunter (44), Jane Maguire (3/33) |
👑Players at their best
🏴Aliya Riaz (Pakistan)
| Key Stats | Data | Impact |
| Runs | 52 (58 balls, SR 90) | Top-scored 5 boundaries, lifted middles |
| Partnership | 54 runs with Amin | Steered Pak 65/3 to 217, set up win |
Riaz led Pakistan’s fight with a 58-ball 52, forming a crucial 54-run partnership to steady the innings from 65/3.
Her late acceleration (16 runs in the 19th over) added vital runs, setting up Diana Baig’s match-winning bowling as Pakistan won by 38 runs.
🏴Diana Baig (Pakistan)
| Key Stats | Data | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling | 4/35 (9 overs, ER 3.89) | |
| Fielding | 2 catches | Dismissed key batters Gaby Lewis (44) and Louise Little (10), stalling Ireland’s momentum. |
Baig’s 4/35 and two catches anchored Pakistan’s 38-run win over Ireland in the 2025 World Cup Qualifier opener.
Her spell dismantled Ireland’s middle order, including a pivotal dismissal of skipper Gaby Lewis, earning her Player of the Match honours
Commentary
🗣Expert Analysis
- Wasim Akram (Cricket Analyst): “Pakistan’s middle-order resilience saved them. Aliya Riaz’s power-hitting and Diana Baig’s accuracy in the death overs were key. Ireland’s inability to close out the chase cost them.”
💬Fan Comments
- “Aliya Riaz needs more recognition. Her batting turned the tide for Pakistan. Well done, hosts!” – @GreenShirtsFan
- “Pakistan’s spin trio dominated. Sundhu and Baig were unplayable at times.” – @CricketFan
