On the 6th of August 2025, Aliya Riaz, the 32-year-old batting all-rounder from Pakistan, steps onto the field at Castle Avenue, Dublin, for her 100th T20 International appearance.
This milestone comes at a significant juncture as Pakistan Women, led by skipper Fatima Sana, take on Ireland Women in the opening match of a highly anticipated three-match T20I series running through to the 10th of August. The Irish side, led by their charismatic captain Gaby Lewis, will be eager to test their mettle against one of Pakistan’s most experienced campaigners.
Aliya’s journey in international T20 cricket began over a decade ago when she debuted against Australia at the Gold Coast on August 30, 2014. From that moment, she quickly established herself as a vital cog in Pakistan’s middle order with her composed yet aggressive batting and handy medium pace. Over a period of time in the T20I format, Aliya has forged an impressive record that exemplifies dedication, consistency, and versatility.
With the bat, Aliya has scored 1,142 runs from 84 innings at an average of 20.39, maintaining a strike rate of 96.69. While her two half-centuries stand out, it is her ability to stabilise and accelerate innings that has often swung games in Pakistan’s favour.
One of her career highlights came during the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh, where she delivered a match-defining unbeaten 57 off 36 balls against the UAE at Sylhet, earning her the Player of the Match award. That innings underscored her capacity to anchor innings under pressure while playing with intent and control, a trait invaluable in the dynamic T20 format.
Aliya’s contribution with the ball adds a crucial dimension to her all-round value. In 32 innings where she has bowled, she has claimed 20 wickets at an average of 31.50, maintaining an impressive economy of 7.94 in the T20 setup. Her knack for picking up timely wickets and stemming the flow of runs provides her captain with strategic options in crucial moments of the game.
As she dons the Pakistan jersey for her 100th appearance, Aliya Riaz not only carries the pride of reaching a century in caps but also the responsibility and expectation of guiding a young and hungry Pakistani side through this competitive series. Fatima Sana’s leadership, complemented by the experience Aliya brings, sets a compelling narrative for this series against an ambitious Ireland side aiming to make their mark on home soil.
Aliya’s journey is emblematic of the growth and evolution of women’s cricket in Pakistan, marked by perseverance, talent, and the rise of new role models for the next generation. Her consistent contributions, both as a batter and bowler, have been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s competitive edge in international T20 cricket.
As the ball is set to tee off at Castle Avenue, all eyes will be on Aliya Riaz, a seasoned all-rounder celebrating a remarkable career milestone, ready to inspire her team and fans alike with her experience, skill, and passion for the game.
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