Pakistan’s chances alive after two losses in Women's World T20

PRUDENCE, Guyana: Pakistan recorded their first win in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 as they defeated Ireland by 38 runs here on Wednesday.

The victory kept alive Pakistan’s hopes in the tournament after two heavy losses to Australia and India, while Ireland suffered their second defeat from two games.

All credit goes to Pakistan captain Javeria Khan, who blasted an unbeaten 74 from 52 balls with eleven fours. This was the highest score by a Pakistani batsman in a women's T20I. She was later declared the Player of the Match.

Pakistan scored 139 for six in 20 overs after skipper Javeria won the toss and elected to bat first.

Other useful contributions came from Ayesha Zafar (21) and Umaima Sohail (18) while Nahida Khan made 10 and Nida Dar scored nine.

Former captain Bisma Maroof was dismissed for a duck and Aliya Riaz could get only one.

For Ireland, medium pacer Lucy O’Reilly was the most successful bowler with three wickets for 19 runs.

Ireland's chase never took off, and they were expertly tied into knots by Nashra Sandhu, the left-arm spinner. Isobel Joyce's 30 and Clare Shillington’s 27 gave some boost but they could reach only 101 for nine in 20 overs.

Nashra finished with outstanding figures of two for eight from four overs while leg-spinner Sana Mir and seamers Aiman Anwer and Aliya Riaz took two wickets each.

Ireland remain at bottom of Group B after the defeat while Pakistan's first win of the tournament keeps them third.