Ireland and Pakistan begin a three-match Women’s T20 International series today at Clontarf Cricket Club, with both sides eyeing form and momentum in the build-up to the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The series opener, set for a 4 pm start at Castle Avenue, marks the first international outing for Pakistan Women since their disappointing early exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Led by all-rounder Fatima Sana, the visitors arrive in Dublin with a point to prove and a fresh look to their squad, including the uncapped 20-year-old batter Eyman Fatima. Sadaf Shamas misses the tour through injury and has been replaced by 18-year-old Shawaal Zulfiqar.
For Ireland, the series offers a chance to continue their rich vein of form after a dominant home campaign against Zimbabwe in July, where they swept both the ODI and T20I series.
Captain Gaby Lewis has been in sparkling form and is expected to play a key role again, supported by the likes of Arlene Kelly, Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Laura Delany, and spinner Cara Murray.
The Ireland Women’s team, proudly sponsored by Certa, will be hoping to make the most of home advantage and continue building the momentum that has seen them climb in both rankings and confidence over the past year.
Certa’s partnership has provided a significant boost to the team’s resources and visibility.
Pakistan hold the upper hand historically, winning 15 of the 19 T20Is between the two sides. However, Ireland’s recent form, coupled with familiar conditions, suggests the series could be more evenly matched than previous encounters.
The Clontarf pitch is expected to offer early assistance to seamers but tends to flatten out as matches progress, giving batters opportunities to assert themselves. With showers forecast to stay away, conditions should be favourable for an entertaining opening contest.
While Pakistan’s spin attack, led by Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal, will test Ireland’s top order, the home side will look to their strong middle-order and disciplined bowling unit to maintain control.
This T20I series is the only home international action for Ireland Women this summer, and all three matches — scheduled for August 6, 8, and 10 — will be played at Clontarf, offering local fans a concentrated burst of high-level international cricket.
With both teams aiming to solidify their T20 credentials, the next few days in Dublin could prove significant in shaping their short-term international futures.
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