Rebecca Stokell produced a blistering unbeaten cameo to guide Ireland Women to a dramatic four-wicket victory over Pakistan Women in the second T20I at Castle Avenue on Friday, levelling the three-match series 1-1.
Chasing a challenging target of 169, Ireland reached the finish line off the very last ball, with Stokell smashing 34 not out off just 16 deliveries at a staggering strike rate of 212.50. Her fearless hitting in the closing overs proved decisive after opener Orla Prendergast laid the foundation with a superb 51 from 34 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes. Captain Laura Delany added stability with 42 off 34, keeping the chase on track.
Pakistan’s Rameen Shamim was the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 36 and dismissing key batters Gaby Lewis, Prendergast, and Leah Paul in quick succession to put the hosts under pressure. However, Stokell’s aggression, including four crisply timed boundaries, turned the contest back in Ireland’s favour.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 168 for 6 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat. Shawaal Zulfiqar (33 off 27) and Muneeba Ali (27 off 22) gave the visitors a solid start, before Natalia Pervaiz injected momentum with a brisk 31 from just 17 balls. Captain Fatima Sana contributed 23 off 16, while late cameos from Tuba Hassan (10*) and Rameen Shamim (8* off 3) lifted the total to a competitive level.
For Ireland, Cara Murray (2 for 33) and Lara McBride (2 for 27) were the pick of the bowlers, with Orla Prendergast also impressing with 1 for 22 from her four overs.
The series now moves into a tantalising decider, with both teams eyeing a morale-boosting series win ahead of their upcoming commitments. The final T20I will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
Score Summary:
Pakistan Women 168/6 in 20 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 33, Natalia Pervaiz 31; Lara McBride 2-27, Cara Murray 2-33)
Ireland Women 171/6 in 20 overs (Orla Prendergast 51, Rebecca Stokell 34; Rameen Shamim 3-36, Fatima Sana 1-37)
Ireland Women won by 4 wickets – Series 1-1.*
