Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Pakistan Women suffered a setback in their build-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after failing to reach the final of the Ireland tri-series, with their match against Hayley Matthews’ West Indies in Dublin on June 3 being washed out due to rain.
Pakistan began the series with a 25-run defeat to the Caribbean side. Thereafter, Ireland hammered them by seven wickets after chasing down 177 in 19.1 overs. Fatima Sana’s side will look to finish the series on a positive note when they face Ireland on June 4.
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On Wednesday, Pakistan Women put up a competitive batting effort before rain played spoilsport. Batting first at Castle Avenue, they reached 111 for seven in 16.5 overs in an innings repeatedly interrupted by wickets and sustained pressure from the West Indies attack.
The innings began with intent as Gull Feroza scored 10, striking two boundaries before being dismissed early. Ayesha Zafar added 17 off 15 deliveries, while Rameen Shamim contributed a steady 17 off 16 to help Pakistan rebuild after early setbacks.
Aliya Riaz anchored the middle order with a composed 24, holding the innings together through the middle overs and ensuring Pakistan maintained a competitive tempo. Captain Fatima Sana remained unbeaten on 21, guiding the side through the closing stages and rotating the strike effectively.
West Indies bowlers kept Pakistan under control throughout, with Chinelle Henry and Ashmini Munisar taking two wickets each and striking at key moments to halt momentum.
Just as the match was poised for an intriguing chase, rain arrived, and the contest was called off with no result, leaving both teams to share points and Pakistan missing out on qualification for the final.
After a disappointing campaign in the Ireland tri-series, Pakistan Women will now turn their attention to fine-tuning combinations ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. They will play two official warm-up matches in Derby, facing Sri Lanka Women on June 6 and Scotland Women on June 9.
They will begin their World Cup campaign on Sunday, June 14, against arch-rivals India at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Placed in Group B, Pakistan will also face the Netherlands, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia in the group stage.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
