Nida, Ayesha help Pakistan level T20 series against Ireland

LAHORE: Nida Dar’s all-round show and Ayesha Naseem’s blistering knock saw Pakistan women beat Ireland by six-wickets here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday to level the three-match Twenty20 Intern­ational series 1-1.

With the match reduced to 17 overs due to rain, Pakistan chased down a formidable total of 119 with an over to spare after veteran opener Javeria Khan and her partner Muneeba ali helped the hosts to get off to a flying start.

The pair combined for a 26 runs in just 19 balls before Muneeba was und­one by Arlene Kelly after adding 10 off 12.

Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof’s dismissal off a run out soon after got the side under pressure but it was a 46-run stand for the third wicket between Javeria and Nida that kept them in the match.

Like Bismah, both Jav­eria and Nida — who scored 35 and 28 respectively — lost their wickets to run outs, but only after the damage caused by them had taken Pakistan to 97-4.

It was then all about the flamboyant Ayesha, who plundered the Ireland bowlers for 25 off 12 balls with the help of two sixes and a four.

The right-hander was assisted by Aliya Riaz, who struck two boundaries for her seven-ball 11, to take Pakistan over the line.

Earlier, after opting to field first, Pakistan bowlers kept Ireland batters in check as the tourists managed to score 118-7 in their allotted 17 overs. Opening batter Amy Hunter top-scored for her side with a 39-ball 36, which included three fours. Orla Prendergast who was declared player of the match in the previous game managed to score 20 off 17 balls, hitting three fours.

For Pakistan, spinners Nida and Nashra Sundhu bagged two wickets apiece.

Summarised scores:

IRELAND 118-7 in 17 overs (Amy Hunter 36, Orla Prendergast 20; Nida Dar 2-19, Nashra Sundhu 2-21).

PAKISTAN 121-4 in 16 overs (Javeria Khan 35, Nida Dar 28, Ayesha Naseem 25 not out).