Ireland Women Stun Pakistan in a Last-Ball Nail-Biter

Dublin witnessed pure cricketing drama as Ireland Women snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, edging Pakistan Women by four wickets in the second T20I of the series. The thrilling finish came right down to the final ball, leaving the crowd at Castle Avenue on their feet and the players breathless.

Pakistan, batting first, put up a strong total of 168 for 6 in their 20 overs. The innings started brightly, with Shawaal Zulfiqar timing the ball sweetly in her 33 off 27 deliveries and Natalia Pervaiz’s brisk 31 from just 17 balls adding crucial momentum. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the visitors maintained a healthy run rate, thanks to a few handy contributions from the middle order. The final overs saw Pakistan push hard, ensuring they had a defendable total on the board.

Ireland’s chase began with early jitters, losing a couple of wickets before the powerplay was done. But Orla Prendergast steadied the ship with a stunning 51 off 34 balls, mixing power hitting with smart placement. Her partnership with Laura Delany, who struck 42 off 34, became the backbone of Ireland’s innings. The duo’s 76-run stand not only rebuilt the chase but also shifted the pressure firmly onto Pakistan.

The tension rose dramatically in the final overs. With the equation boiling down to six runs needed off the last ball, all eyes were on Rebecca Stokell. Facing a bowler on top of her game, Stokell kept her cool and unleashed a clean strike over the ropes for six, sealing an unforgettable win for Ireland. Her unbeaten 34 from just 16 balls was a masterclass in composure under pressure, earning her the Player of the Match award.

With this victory, Ireland have taken an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series. Pakistan, now playing only for pride, will be desperate to avoid a whitewash in the final encounter. For Ireland, this win wasn’t just about numbers — it was about proving their grit, resilience, and ability to thrive under pressure.