Ireland women secure historic T20 series win over Pakistan

Ireland women have claimed their first ever series win after clinching victory over Pakistan in Lahore in their third T20 encounter by 34 runs

Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast. File pic: Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub

Ireland women have claimed their first ever away series win after clinching victory over Pakistan in Lahore in their third T20 encounter by 34 runs.

A superb bowling performance limited Pakistan to 133 all out with seven balls remaining. 

Pakistan opener Javeria Khan scored 50 off 37 balls but her innings went unsupported after she was dismissed by Jane Maguire as Ireland skipper Laura Delany and Arlene Kelly took three wickets each.

Ireland had batted first and made 167/4, their highest ever score in the format.

Player of the match Gabby Lewis top scored with 71 off 46 deliveries while Amy Hunter scored 40.

Orla Prendergast also contributed 37 to the total.

Lewis was also named player of the series with a total of 144 runs at a strike rate of 130.90.

"I think to just go out and be as positive as we can," Lewis said when asked about Ireland's gameplan.

"Having me and Amy [Hunter] up the top and then Orla [Prendergast] as well for the rest of our batting order, I think we're very top-heavy and we can really take on the game.

"When it comes off it comes off and we just trust in the process of that, it's come really good in this series."

WE WIN THE SERIES!!!

What an effort from the team to give us our first series victory overseas! We win the final T20I by 34 runs 👏👏👏

Incredible moment 😍#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 @HanleyEnergy pic.twitter.com/Hg9LO7oKOa

— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) November 16, 2022

Ireland had won the first T20 encounter with eight balls to spare on Saturday after a superb all-round performance by teenager Prendergast.

Pakistan tied the series after a comfortable six wicket win on Monday.

Wednesday's success marks the first time a men's or women's Ireland side has recorded a series victory on the sub-continent and came after Pakistan had taken a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series played between the sides.

Ireland v Pakistan, 3rd T20

Ireland 167-4 (20 overs): Lewis 71, Hunter 40; Dar 1-27

Pakistan 133 (18.5 overs): Khan 50, Dar 26; Kelly 3-19, Delany 3-20

Ireland won by 34 runs