Shillington heroics in vain as Pakistan defeat Ireland

Pakistan Women beat Ireland by 42 runs in a rain affected contest at YMCA with Nain Abidi making history as the first Pakistan woman to score a hundred in international cricket.

Abidi hit an undefeated 101 from 129 balls (9 fours) as Pakistan ran up an imposing 254 for 3 in their 50 overs. She received excellent support from Qanita Jalil (42), Javeria Khan (41*), and Bismah Maroof (29).

The Irish bowlers struggled to contain the Pakistan batters, with Isobel Joyce (2-37) the pick of the attack. Laura Delany (1-47) was the other wicket taker, while Eimear Richardson (0-31) did a fine containing job in her ten over spell.

Rain meant a DL target of 224 in 39 overs for the Irish and their reply got off to a disastrous start when Cecelia Joyce was run out for 0, and Isobel Joyce fell shortly after, bowled by Mir for 9.

Clare Shillington continued to play positively and while she was still at the crease Ireland were always in contention.

Shillington and Kim Garth added 69 for the 3rd wicket as Ireland reached 112 for 2. However once Shillington was trapped lbw for 66 from 76 balls (5 fours), Ireland fell away as the required rate steadily increased.

Garth (39) and Richardson (29) both battled away but in the end the Irish reply fell 42 runs short on 181 for 8.

Pakistan claimed the tri-series when they survived a scare to beat Bangladesh in last over thriller on Thursday.