Magnificent Muneeba Ali century helps Pakistan to dominant win over Ireland

Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali Siddiqui struck a superb century and Nashra Sundhu picked up a fine four-fer to help their side to a crushing victory over Ireland at Newlands.

Muneeba’s ton was not just her first for Pakistan in the format, but the first ever by a Pakistani cricketer in a Women’s T20I.

There have only ever been four scores higher than Muneeba’s 102 at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, and her superb knock helped Pakistan to a total that is going to severely test Ireland’s batting line-up.

Muneeba’s brilliance lifted Pakistan to 165/5 in the first innings, and Ireland struggled in the chase after losing both of their openers inside the Powerplay.

The early departure of Amy Hunter (6) and Gaby Lewis (10) left Ireland with a mountain to climb, and the wicket of in-form Orla Prendergast for a 21-ball 31 put Pakistan firmly on course.

Pakistan’s spinners had Ireland in all sorts of trouble, with only Elmear Richardson (28 from 17) able to hit her stride. And the win was wrapped up with three and a half overs still remaining.

Sundhu was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 4/18 from four overs, while Nida Dar followed up a decent effort with the bat with extremely tidy figures of 2/5 from three.

Earlier, an explosive start from Muneeba helped Pakistan reach 45/1 at the end of the Powerplay, after Ireland had won the toss and opted to bowl first in Cape Town. And runs continued to flow for Pakistan as the inning progressed.

It was Muneeba who scored the vast majority of the runs in a 44-run first-wicket stand, before partner Javeria Khan fell in the sixth over, run out by Mary Waldron for 6 from 13 balls.

But neither that dismissal nor the departure of Bismah Maroof for 4 was enough to curb Pakistan’s attacking and risk-taking intent, as Muneeba went past 50, with Nida Dar (33) playing well at the other end.

And the 25-year-old’s acceleration continued as she rocketed to her first T20I century. 

Finally dismissed for 102 from just 68 balls, Muneeba soaked in the adoration of her teammates and the crowd as she left the field at Newlands.

A huge six off the penultimate ball by Ayesha Naseem was followed by a stumping, as Pakistan finished on 165/5.

Muneeba Ali’s century was the knock of the tournament so far.

In her 45^th T20I, Muneeba put Ireland to the sword, sending the ball to all parts in an extremely attacking performance.

Her average (14.17) and strike rate (77.66) in this format don’t reflect the player that she has become in recent times, and it will be interesting to see whether this innings will be a real springboard for her.

This wasn’t the first century of her international career, as she already has an ODI to her name – also against Ireland. But it was her best showing for Pakistan so far.

Two loss from their opening two games have left Ireland effectively out of the running in the hunt for the top two places in Group 2.

It’s not mathematically impossible that Ireland could still qualify for the semi-finals, but it’s extremely unlikely from this position.

Knowing that a group-stage exit is now almost certain, Ireland will be freed up to have a real crack at an upset win in their final two games.

A struggling West Indies side are up next for the Irish on Friday, with India rounding off their group fixtures on Monday.

That stunning warm-up win over Australia is an indication that neither of their upcoming opponents should take Ireland lightly.