The cricket rivalry between Ireland Women and Pakistan Women has evolved into a noteworthy contest beyond the conventional dominant teams in women’s cricket. In several of the initial matches, Pakistan held the upper hand, especially in ODI formats. However, Ireland steadily narrowed the gap and began achieving vital victories in T20 internationals.
This rivalry has showcased significant scores, thrilling run chases, remarkable individual performances, and numerous shifts in momentum. From Pakistan’s early supremacy in the 2010s to Ireland’s groundbreaking series win in 2022, along with their thrilling encounters in 2025 and 2026, both teams have added valuable narratives to this competition.
As of 2026, this matchup has become notably more balanced, with Ireland demonstrating their ability to chase large targets, whereas Pakistan still has talented batters capable of delivering match-winning performances.
Ireland Women vs Pakistan Women: Early History
The first significant contests between these teams occurred in the early 2010s, as Ireland was still establishing itself in the realm of international women’s cricket.
Pakistan approached these matches with better experience and a stronger performance record against several up-and-coming sides. In the 2011 Women’s World Cup Qualifier, Pakistan triumphed over Ireland by eight wickets after Ireland was all out for 140 runs. Pakistan achieved a total of 141 for 2 in 32.2 overs.
These teams faced off once more during a tri-series in Ireland in 2012. Pakistan posted a score of 254 for 3 in their allotted 50 overs, while Ireland managed 181 for 8 in a game affected by rain. Pakistan won by 42 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method.
These initial encounters established a significant trend. Generally, Pakistan showcased stronger batting depth, while Ireland remained competitive yet often struggled to convert promising starts into actual wins.
2013: Pakistan Establishes Control
The year 2013 marked a crucial moment in the rivalry as Ireland and Pakistan engaged in multiple clashes across both T20I and ODI formats.
In their first T20I at Solihull, Ireland set a total of 116 for 8. Clare Shillington was the top scorer for Ireland with 43 runs off 36 balls, but Pakistan successfully reached the target, finishing at 117 for 6.
The second T20I displayed Pakistan’s dominance more prominently. Ireland managed 119 for 6, while Pakistan quickly reached 123 without losing any wickets in just 18.2 overs.
Later in Dublin, another T20I had a similar outcome. Pakistan made a score of 148 for 7, with Bismah Maroof scoring 38 and Nain Abidi contributing 36. Ireland ultimately could only score 110.
The ODI matches that season were even more lopsided.
- In one game, Pakistan put up a total of 280 for 7, with Nida Dar delivering an impressive 87 runs and Bismah Maroof chipping in with 80. Ireland was all out for 123, leading to a 157-run win for Pakistan.
- In a different ODI, Pakistan made 248 runs before bowling out Ireland for 159. Javeria Khan scored 81, while Nain Abidi added 50.
Consequently, the 2013 season clearly belonged to Pakistan.
2014: Ireland Records a Breakthrough Victory
A significant turning point occurred in 2014.
Pakistan again showcased its prowess in the 50-over game, achieving a victory over Ireland by 110 runs after scoring 183 for 9 and then bowling Ireland out for a mere 73.
Pakistan achieved another victory by a margin of seven wickets after Ireland was dismissed for a total of 92 runs.
However, the dynamics of the T20I changed.
In their encounter on January 19, Pakistan could only manage to put up 97 runs for 4 wickets. Ireland responded by scoring 98 runs for 4 wickets in 19.4 overs, securing a win by six wickets.
This win was pivotal as it demonstrated Ireland’s ability to effectively compete with Pakistan in the T20 format. The match underscored the increasing significance of Ireland’s seasoned players, who were showing a growing confidence in chasing down targets when facing pressure.
2022: Ireland’s Groundbreaking Series Victory in Pakistan
A key event in the timeline of Ireland Women versus Pakistan Women took place in November 2022.
Ireland visited Pakistan for a series featuring multiple formats, and the T20I segment resulted in an impressive 2-1 outcome.
First T20I
Pakistan set a score of 135 runs for 5 wickets, with Nida Dar delivering an outstanding performance, scoring 61 runs off 43 balls.
Ireland’s reply was 139 runs for 4 wickets in 18.4 overs, earning them a victory by six wickets.
Orla Prendergast played a crucial role in Ireland’s chase, while the Irish batting lineup held their composure despite Pakistan’s strong total.
Second T20I
Pakistan made a comeback in the second match.
Ireland put up 118 runs for 7 wickets in a rain-affected game that was limited to 17 overs. Pakistan successfully met the adjusted target, ending with 121 runs for 4 wickets in 16 overs.
Pakistan triumphed by six wickets, bringing the series to an even tie at 1-1.
Third T20I: The Decider
The concluding game marked one of Ireland’s most significant triumphs over Pakistan.
Ireland achieved a score of 167 for 4. Gaby Lewis shone brightly, scoring 71 from 46 deliveries. Amy Hunter also played a vital role by contributing 40 runs.
Pakistan found it difficult during the pursuit and was ultimately bowled out for 133 in 18.5 overs.
Ireland secured a victory by 34 runs, achieving a remarkable 2-1 series win while playing in Pakistan.
This victory greatly bolstered the morale of Irish women’s cricket and highlighted Ireland’s ability to overcome Pakistan in a high-stakes bilateral series.
2023: Muneeba Ali Produces a World Cup Masterclass
Pakistan made a strong statement in their encounter against Ireland at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup held in Cape Town in February 2023.
Pakistan batted first, scoring 165 for 5.
Muneeba Ali was the standout player.
She delivered an outstanding performance with 102 runs off 68 balls, marking her as the first woman cricketer from Pakistan to achieve a T20I century in that World Cup match versus Ireland.
Ireland’s attempt to chase the target lacked firepower. The bowlers from Pakistan dismissed the Irish team for 95 in 16.3 overs.
Pakistan won by 70 runs.
Muneeba’s century became a hallmark performance in the history of this match-up. It also illustrated that Pakistan should never be deemed out of contention, despite Ireland’s series win in 2022.
2025: One of the Most Competitive T20I Series
The series in Ireland during 2025 offered another captivating narrative.
A total of three T20Is took place, with Ireland clinching the series 2-1. Nevertheless, Pakistan concluded the tour showcasing one of the most remarkable individual displays observed in the competition.
First T20I
Ireland reached 142 before getting all out.
Pakistan finished at 131 for 9, which allowed Ireland to win by 11 runs.
Fatima Sana was notable for Pakistan with the ball, but Ireland’s disciplined batting and bowling towards the end provided the home team with the upper hand.
Second T20I
The second match turned out to be an exhilarating high-scoring encounter.
Pakistan managed to score 168 for 6 after their 20 overs. Ireland, in response, executed a commendable chase, finishing at 171 for 6.
Orla Prendergast excelled with the bat, scoring 51 runs off 34 balls. Her effort was instrumental in helping Ireland chase one of their highest targets against Pakistan.
Ireland won by four wickets and claimed the series with one match yet to be played.
Third T20I
Pakistan delivered its finest performance in the last match.
Ireland secured a score of 155 for 4, with Orla Prendergast scoring an unbeaten 64 from 46 balls.
Pakistan’s reply was impressive.
Muneeba Ali led the chase masterfully, accumulating an unbeaten 100 runs from 68 balls. Pakistan achieved 156 for 2 in merely 17.4 overs.
Pakistan won by eight wickets.
This outcome provided Pakistan with a consolation win, while Ireland concluded the three-match series as 2-1 victors. Orla Prendergast was awarded Player of the Series, and Muneeba’s unbeaten century became one of the standout batting displays of the tour.
2026: Ireland Produce a Record Chase
The most recent significant event occurred on 31 May 2026 during the Women’s T20I Tri-Series held in Ireland.
Pakistan won the coin toss and opted to bat first at Castle Avenue in Dublin.
In their innings, Pakistan managed to accumulate a formidable total of 176 runs for the loss of 6 wickets over 20 overs. Muneeba Ali once again made a crucial contribution, amassing 65 runs off 41 balls.
Pakistan seemed to have set a challenging target for Ireland to chase.
However, Ireland displayed an impressive pursuit.
Amy Hunter took a proactive approach early in the innings, scoring 56 runs from 41 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and a six. Following Hunter’s departure, Rebecca Stokell stepped up significantly.
Stokell ended her innings not out on 60 runs from 42 balls.
Orla Prendergast also made a vital contribution, adding 33 runs from just 17 balls.
Ireland successfully reached 177 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 19.1 overs, securing victory by seven wickets.
This win was particularly momentous since Ireland accomplished chasing down 177 runs, marking one of their largest successful T20I run chases. Cricket Ireland labeled this performance as a record-setting triumph.
Ireland Women vs Pakistan Women: Key Run Scorers
This rivalry has yielded numerous exceptional batting displays.
Leading Batters for Pakistan
Muneeba Ali has produced some of the most remarkable batting displays in recent encounters against Ireland.
Her notable innings include:
- 102 off 68 balls – T20 World Cup 2023
- 100 off 68 balls – 3rd T20I, 2025
- 65 off 41 balls – 2026 tri-series
Her two T20I centuries against Ireland are particularly memorable performances.
Nida Dar has also played a significant role, scoring 61 runs from 43 balls in the opening T20I of the 2022 series and contributing 87 runs during the ODI match in 2013.
Bismah Maroof was another vital player in earlier contests, recording scores of 80 and 38 in significant games against Ireland.
Leading Batters for Ireland
Ireland has had its fair share of standout players as well.
Gaby Lewis delivered a defining performance during the 2022 series, scoring 71 from 46 balls in the crucial third T20I.
Orla Prendergast has been one of Ireland’s most reliable players in this modern rivalry. Her scores include:
- 51 off 34 balls in the 2025 second T20I
- 64 off 46 balls in the 2025 third T20I
- 33 off 17 balls in the 2026 match
She concluded the 2025 series as the top run-scorer for Ireland with 144 runs, while Muneeba Ali led Pakistan with 132 runs throughout the three-match series.
In 2026, Amy Hunter delivered another significant performance with her 56 off 41 balls during Ireland’s record-setting chase.
Rebecca Stokell capped the 2026 chase with a vital unbeaten score of 60 runs from 42 balls. Cricket Ireland noted her partnership with Prendergast as a key factor in helping Ireland surpass Pakistan’s 176.
Head-to-Head Overview
The historical record illustrates how the rivalry has evolved over the years.
In terms of recorded women’s T20I encounters, Pakistan has historically claimed more wins, although Ireland has significantly enhanced their performance in recent times. The head-to-head statistics showcase Pakistan in the lead overall, while Ireland’s recent victories have significantly bridged the competitive disparity.
It’s important to emphasize that the focus is not solely on the quantity of victories. The dynamics of the matches have transformed.
Pakistan was largely in control during the initial phase of ODI cricket. Over time, Ireland improved its competitiveness in T20 formats and ultimately began to secure series victories.
The victories in 2022, the 2-1 success in 2025 and the seven-wicket triumph in 2026 highlight Ireland’s progress.
Significant Scores and Noteworthy Innings
Upon reflecting on their rivalry, several performances stand out remarkably.
Pakistan’s key batting achievements encompass the 280/7 ODI score in 2013, Muneeba Ali’s 102 in 2023, her 100 in 2025, and Pakistan’s 176/6 total in 2026.
Ireland’s significant milestones include 167/4 during the critical T20I match in 2022, the successful chase of 171/6 in 2025, and the 177/3 chase in 2026.
The chase in 2026 is especially noteworthy as Ireland did not merely withstand Pakistan’s bowling. They aggressively pursued the target and accomplished it with five balls to spare.
Ireland Women vs Pakistan Women Timeline Overview
- 2011: Pakistan claimed an eight-wicket victory over Ireland in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier.
- 2012: Pakistan emerged victorious in a rain-affected ODI, winning by 42 runs.
- 2013: Pakistan showcased dominance in both T20I and ODI encounters.
- 2014: Ireland achieved a significant six-wicket win in a T20I match.
- 2022: Ireland triumphed over Pakistan with a 2-1 series win in T20Is held in Lahore.
- 2023: Muneeba Ali struck 102 runs as Pakistan secured a 70-run win against Ireland at the T20 World Cup.
- 2025: Ireland claimed a 2-1 victory in the T20I series consisting of three matches.
- 2025: Muneeba Ali scored a not-out 100 in Pakistan’s consolation win by eight wickets.
- 2026: Ireland chased down 177/6 to secure a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dublin.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Ireland Women and Pakistan Women has evolved significantly from the time when Pakistan held a dominant position.
Pakistan continues to maintain a robust historical performance and has produced standout individual players like Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, and Bismah Maroof.
Nonetheless, Ireland’s advancement cannot be overlooked. Their series win of 2-1 in Pakistan in 2022, a 2-1 victory at home in 2025, and the seven-wicket win in the 2026 tri-series underscore their genuine growth.
The most fascinating aspect of this rivalry lies in its unpredictability. Muneeba Ali can contribute a hundred runs for Pakistan, while Ireland can counter by chasing down 176 with performances from Hunter, Stokell, and Prendergast.
This shifting dynamic adds intrigue to future encounters. If recent patterns persist, the next segments of this cricket rivalry may feature even higher scores, thrilling finishes, and breakthrough contributions from the emerging talents of Ireland and Pakistan’s women’s cricket teams.
