Maroof shines in Pakistan's comprehensive win

Bismah Maroof's all-round performance helped Pakistan Women secure a 38-run victory over Ireland Women in the one-off T20I in Dublin. Maroof scored a 30-ball 38 and took three wickets for 21 runs with her legspin as Ireland were dismissed for 110 in their pursuit of 149.

Ireland began their chase slowly, losing opener Isobel Joyce in the second over with just 8 runs on the board, but they recovered well, as Clare Shillington and Eimear Richardson added 54 runs for the second wicket before Shillington was bowled for 33 by offspinner Nida Dar.

Shillington's dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, as Ireland lost the remaining eight wickets for just 48 runs, with none of the other batters reaching double digits.

The spinners proved effective for Pakistan, as Maroof, Dar and left-arm spinner Sadia Yousuf took seven wickets between them and conceded 57 runs in their 11 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan got off to a shaky start after choosing to bat first, as opener Asmavia Iqbal was run out off the second ball of the innings. Javeria Rauf and Nain Abidi fought back with a 41-run second-wicket stand before Rauf was bowled by medium-pacer Louise McCarthy. Abidi added another 40 runs for the third wicket with Maroof but fell for 36, offering a return catch to medium-pacer Melissa Scott-Hayward, with the score at 81 for 3.

Maroof struck four fours during her knock, as she paired with Nahida Khan to add 27 off just 19 balls for the fifth wicket, taking Pakistan to a score of 148 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Medium-pacer Laura Delany was the most successful bowler for the hosts, ending with figures of 2-0-15-3.

The two teams will play each other in the first of two ODIs in Dublin on Wednesday.