Web Desk :
Natalia Pervaiz’s blistering 31-run knock bolstered Pakistan to a formidable total in the second T20I of the three-match series against Ireland here at the Clontarf Cricket Club on Friday. Opting to bat first, the touring side accumulated 168/6 in their allotted 20 overs.The Green Shirts got off to a decent start to their innings as their new opening pair of Muneeba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar yielded 62 runs inside eight overs before both perished on successive deliveries.
Shawaal remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with 33 off 27 deliveries with the help of six boundaries, while Muneeba smashed three fours and a six on her way to a 22-ball 27.
Following the back-to-back blows, Natalia and Eyman Fatima partnered strongly to add an important 43 runs for the third wicket until the former fell victim to Lara McBride in the 13th over.
Fatima made 23 off 16 deliveries, laced with two fours and a six.
Natalia was then involved in a 30-run partnership for the fourth wicket with skipper Fatima Sana, which bolstered Pakistan’s total.Cara Murray broke the threatening partnership for Ireland by dismissing aggressor Natalia, who scored 31 off just 17 deliveries, hitting four boundaries.
Skipper Fatima followed suit two overs later, falling victim to Orla Prendergast after scoring 23 off 16 with the help of one four and a six.
Number seven batter Tuba Hassan (10 not out) made handy contributions at the backend, making sure Pakistan breached the 160-run barrier.For Ireland, Lara McBride and Murray picked up two wickets each, while Prendergast chipped in with one.
