Dublin is gearing up for an exciting showdown as Ireland Women and Pakistan Women return for the second T20 International of the three-match series. After a gripping first game, the hosts have their sights set on sealing the series, while the visitors are on the hunt for a comeback to keep the contest alive.
The series opener was a hard-fought battle, with Ireland Women emerging victorious by 11 runs in a match that swung back and forth. Orla Prendergast starred with a brilliant all-round display, scoring a crucial 29 off 26 balls and following it up with an impactful spell of 3 for 28 to rightly earn the Player of the Match accolade.
Amy Hunter added stability at the top, crafting a composed 37 off 30, helping Ireland post a competitive total. On the other side, Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana led from the front with the ball, delivering an excellent 4/26. However, despite her efforts, Pakistan’s batting unit couldn’t sustain partnerships under pressure and ultimately fell short of the target.
With a 1-0 lead, Ireland now has the opportunity to seal a memorable home series win. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be aiming to regroup quickly and bounce back strongly to take the series to a decider.
Squads:
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan and Waheeda Akhtar
Players to watch out:
Amy Hunter
Ireland’s young keeper-batter Amy Hunter continues to impress with her maturity and stroke play. Opening the innings in the first match, she set the platform with a well-crafted 37 off 30 deliveries, providing early momentum. With 1101 runs from 45 WT20I innings, including a stunning unbeaten century (101*), Hunter has cemented her place at the top of the order. Her quick footwork behind the stumps and calm presence with the bat make her one of the most dependable players in the Irish setup.
Orla Prendergast
A dynamic all-rounder and one of Ireland’s brightest stars, Orla Prendergast was the architect of Ireland’s win in the opening T20I. She led from the front with a composed 29 off 26 balls at the top, before returning with the ball to claim 3/28, earning the Player of the Match honours. A proven match-winner, Prendergast has featured in 61 WT20Is innings, amassing 1331 runs, including the highest score of 80, and has also scalped 49 wickets, with best figures of 4 for 22. Her ability to impact games in both departments makes her a cornerstone of the Irish side.
Natalia Pervaiz
In the middle order, Natalia Pervaiz provided much-needed stability during Pakistan’s chase in the first T20I, scoring a fighting 29 off 23 balls. Known for her calm temperament and calculated stroke play, she plays the role of an anchor when wickets fall early. With the ball, she has picked up 6 wickets in 7 WT20I innings, including the best spell of 3 for 20. While her international experience is still growing, her all-round ability adds balance to the Pakistan lineup.
Fatima Sana
Leading from the front, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was the standout performer for her side in the first T20I, picking up an excellent 4/26, her T20I-best. A genuine pace-bowling all-rounder, Sana brings aggression and discipline with the ball, often breaking crucial partnerships. In 45 T20I innings, she has picked up 39 wickets and contributed 394 runs with the bat from 30 innings, proving to be a valuable asset in both departments.
Pitch:
Castle Avenue is generally a batting-friendly track, offering good bounce and value for shots. With an average first-innings score of around 157 in T20Is, it encourages batters to play their strokes freely in the powerplay. However, as the innings wears on, spinners and change-up bowlers often find assistance, particularly during the middle overs when the pitch tends to slow down slightly.
Weather:
Dublin is expected to enjoy partly cloudy skies on match day, with the temperature sitting at a comfortable 20°C. There is a slight chance of precipitation (15%), but not enough to cause significant interruptions. Humidity is moderate at 58%, which should keep conditions pleasant.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Sidra Ameen, Laura Delany, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana, Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sundhu, Cara Murray, Tuba Hassan
Match Details:
Date – August 8, 2025
Time – 8:30 PM IST
Venue – Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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