On April 9, 2025, Pakistan Women and Ireland Women will play the opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 at the storied Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, starting at 10:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). This all-important Qualifier competition gives teams a second chance to guarantee their place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Squads:
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Najiha Alvi, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sundhu, Muneeba Ali, Rameen Shamim, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast
Players to watch out:
Fatima Sana
Since making her international debut in 2019, the 23-year-old dynamic all-rounder has advanced significantly. She has participated in 41 Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs) taking 51 wickets with an average of 31.15, an economy rate of 5.57, and a best bowling performance of 5/39. With the highest score of 90*, she has scored 482 runs at an average of 17.21, including two half-centuries. She is a tremendous asset because of her ability to contribute successfully with both bat and ball.
Aliya Riaz
Aliya, an accomplished 32-year-old all-rounder, has been a pillar of Pakistan’s middle order. In 68 WODIs, she has scored 1,324 runs at an average of 24.51, with seven fifties and the highest score of 81. In WODIs, she has claimed 12 wickets as a bowler and gives the squad depth with her medium-pace bowling and power hitting skills.
Laura Delany
Laura is an Irish all-rounder who is 32 years old. In 65 WODIs, she has accumulated 1,162 runs at an average of 21.92, including three half-centuries and a century, with her highest individual score of 109. She has taken 30 wickets with the ball, with her best statistics being 3/26. Her track record of success and leadership enhance the team’s stability.
Gaby Lewis
Gaby, the captain of Ireland and an important top-order batter, has been a reliable player for his country. In 52 WODIs, she has amassed 1,427 runs at a 25.42 average, including eleven half-centuries. Her ability to play game-changing knocks and anchor the innings is demonstrated by her highest score of 96.
Pitch:
It is anticipated that the pitch of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will provide a good bat-ball contest. The wicket is good for batting early on but as the game progresses, the surface slows down a little, which forces spinners into play. In women’s ODI matches, the average first innings total at this venue is about 236. Spin bowlers typically control the action in Lahore, particularly in the second innings when the ball grips and twists more.
Weather:
The weather in Lahore is forecasted to hover around 30°C with clear skies with lots of sunshine. There is little to no danger of rain interfering with play, and the humidity is predicted to be moderate. Spin spinners could be crucial because of the dry weather and the pitch’s predicted to provide turn later in the match.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Gaby Lewis, Muneeba Ali, Laura Delany, Omaima Sohail, Orla Prendergast, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Arlene Kelly, Nashra Sundhu, Diana Baig, Cara Murray
Match details:
Date – April 9, 2025
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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