Pakistan Defeats Ireland by 38 Runs in Women's World Cup Qualifier Opener

In the opening match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, Pakistan secured a 38-run victory over Ireland at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Batting first, Pakistan posted 217 runs, with Aliya Riaz and Sidra Amin contributing fifties, while the Irish bowlers, led by Jane Maguire's three wickets, restricted the hosts effectively. In response, Ireland started strong but faced a dramatic collapse, losing nine wickets for just 83 runs after being 96-1 at one point. Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter each scored 44 runs, but Pakistan's Diana Baig, with four wickets, and Nashra Sandhu, with three, turned the match around for the hosts. Ireland's next match is against West Indies, and only the top two teams from the qualifier will advance to the World Cup in India. The match also marked the debut of Pakistani opener Gul Feroza.