Muneeba Ali made his for Pakistan against Ireland during the Women’s T20 World Cup becoming the first Centurian in the format for her country.
Her 102 helped her side win their first match of the ongoing tournament by 70 runs at Newlands, Cape Town.
Muneeba Ali puts Pakistan in control against Ireland:
Needing a win to stay in contention for the next round, Pakistan were guided by the left-handed opener throughout the innings even as she kept running out of partners at the other end.
Javeria Khan (6) and Bismah Maroof (4) were both gone with Pakistan at 55/2.
But with Nida Dar (33) playing another mature inning to support her, the two motored on with a 101-run partnership to put Pakistan in complete control.
Muneeba, whose previous best was 43 runs, reached her century in 66 balls courtesy of 14 4’s.
Pakistan eventually finished with 165-5 from their 20 overs.
Nashra Sandhu completes the job with the ball:
Ireland, who had previously beaten Pakistan at their home ground last year, never got going during the chase courtesy of early strikes.
Fatima Sana and Nida Dar removed the dangerous pair of Amy Hunter (6) and Gabby Lewis (10) before Sandhu took over.
The leg-spinner accounted for the wickets of Ireland’s two top scorers Orla Prendergast (31) and Eimear Richardson (28) before removing Louise Little (3) and Mary Waldron (1).
Sadia Iqbal (2) and Tuba Hasan were among the other wicket-takers to bowl Ireland out for 95.
The win takes Pakistan third in Group 2 of the Women’s T20 World Cup behind leaders England and second-placed India.
Pakistan will next face West Indies on 19th Feb as they approach the business end of the competition.
