With the series already sealed 2–0 in favour of the spirited Irish women, the third and final T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground promises plenty of pride and cricketing brilliance on display. Even though the result of the series is a foregone conclusion, both teams have individual milestones and fine-tuning for the future at stake.
The pitch at Clontarf is a balanced one, equally rewarding for batters and bowlers, as evident from the last five games here, where pacers and spinners shared 31 wickets each. An average total of 150 sets the stage for a contest where all-rounders could become decisive.
As a Fantasy XI selector, you want to aim for form players, impact contributors, and those with proven records under these conditions. With that in mind, here’s the Fantasy XI for this crucial encounter.
Fantasy XI Picks: Ireland vs Pakistan – 3rd T20I
Wicketkeepers
Amy Hunter (Ireland)
The 19-year-old starlet has been one of the quiet but vital contributors for Ireland in this series. Her 43 runs at a strike rate of 113.15 and an average of 21.50 from two innings underline her ability to rotate the strike and step up when required. While she hasn’t exploded with a big score yet, her steady glovework and situational awareness make her a valuable Fantasy option, especially at a venue where top-order batters often set the tone.
Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)
A seasoned left-hander, Muneeba returned to form in the 2nd T20I with a crisp 27 (22). Across the series, she has scored 32 runs at a 110.34 strike rate and 16 average, which suggests she’s adjusting to Irish conditions. If Pakistan are to salvage a consolation win, Muneeba is the likely anchor at the top. Plus, her dual role with the gloves adds Fantasy points beyond batting contributions.
Batters
Gaby Lewis (Ireland)
The skipper might not have set the stage alight yet (22 runs at 11 average), but Gaby Lewis is a proven match-winner in home conditions. Her leadership and ability to counterattack warrant inclusion, particularly given her track record of producing timely performances once set. Knowing that this will be Ireland’s lap of honour with her 100th T20I appearance for Ireland, in front of home fans, Lewis could relish the occasion.
All-rounders
Orla Prendergast (Ireland)
Orla Prendergast has been the standout performer of the series, shining with both bat and ball. With the bat, she has amassed 80 runs in two innings at an impressive average of 40 and a strike rate of 133.33, highlighted by a fluent 51 off 34 balls in the second T20I — her eighth career fifty in the format. With the ball, she has been equally effective, claiming four wickets at an average of 12.50 while conceding just 6.25 runs per over.
Named Player of the Match in the series opener for her all-round show (29 runs + 3/28), she’s been Ireland’s heartbeat. In Fantasy terms, she’s a dream pick because she scores in multiple categories. Her current purple patch and home advantage make her the natural captain choice for maximum points.
Fatima Sana (Pakistan)
Fatima Sana has been Pakistan’s standout performer in the series, leading from the front with her all-round brilliance. With the bat, she has scored 37 runs in two innings at a brisk strike rate of 160.86, playing vital cameos such as her 23 off 16 balls in the second T20I and a quickfire 14 from 7 deliveries in the opener.
With the ball, she has been exceptional, claiming five wickets at an average of 12.60 and an economy rate of 7.87, including a career-best spell of 4 for 26 in the first match. Given her consistency across both disciplines and ability to produce big contributions under pressure, she’s the reliable vice-captain pick — especially if Pakistan bat first and she gets both batting and bowling opportunities.
Bowlers
Jane Maguire (Ireland)
Maguire’s story from the 2nd T20I, hitting a last-ball six to seal the series, is folklore material. But beyond the romance of the iconic occasion, her figures in the 1st T20I (2/20) reflect her bowling mettle. Even without wickets in the second game, her experience in crunch overs keeps her in Fantasy contention.
Ava Canning (Ireland)
The skilful seamer produced a remarkable 4-1-9-1 in the opener, showing she can choke scoring rates in the powerplay. Though she went wicketless in the 2nd match (3-0-26-0), her control and adaptability on this pitch make her a strong Fantasy differential pick.
Rameen Shamim (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s off-spinner has been a bright spark — 4 wickets at 16 average, economy 8 — tying Orla Prendergast as joint 2nd-highest wicket-taker in the series. Her triple strike (3/36) in the 2nd T20I demonstrated her threat in the middle overs, a crucial phase for Fantasy wickets.
Cara Murray (Ireland)
A reliable leggie, Murray has taken 3 wickets at 21 average and 7.87 economy in the series. Her knack for breaking partnerships could prove decisive at Clontarf, a venue where spinners have thrived in recent matches.
Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan)
Left-arm orthodox spinner with an economy of 6.75 in the series. She’s been disciplined, with identical returns of 1/27 in both matches so far. If the pitch offers turn, Sadia’s angles can trouble Ireland’s right-hand dominant batting order.
Lara McBride (Ireland)
This 19-year-old off-spinner has impressed with 3 wickets at 13.66 average and an economy of 8.20. She’s a wicket-taking option in the middle overs and complements Ireland’s spin attack effectively.
With Ireland already sealing the series, expect them to play with freedom and allow their flair players, like Orla and Gaby, to bat with intent. Pakistan, with Fatima Sana in sublime form, will want to end the tour on a high.
For Fantasy managers, loading up on in-form all-rounders and wicket-hunting spinners is the surest way to stay ahead in this series-closing contest.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.