Ireland seal T20I series against Pakistan
The Irish women's team clinched the T20I series against Pakistan by winning the third match in Lahore on Wednesday.
Ireland won the series 21 against Pakistan, making it the first T20I series win for the Irish team in Asia and also the maiden away T20I series victory for the visitors.
After deciding to bat first at the Gaddafi Stadium, Ireland posted 167-4 in their allotted 20 overs.
Ireland’s top-order contributed heavily to the team’s score as opener Gaby Lewis led the way with 71 runs in 46 balls. Her impressive knock included 11 fours and a six.
Lewis's fellow opener Amy Hunter scored 40 runs in 35 balls, meanwhile, Orla Prendergast notched up 37 runs in 23 balls.
For Pakistan, Nida
Dar, Nashra Sandhu and Ghulam Fatima bagged one wicket each.
While chasing the daunting target, Pakistan were all out for 133 in 18.5 overs.
Opener Javeria Khan scored 50 runs in 37 balls, with the help of seven fours, but she didn’t get able support from the other end as Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Ireland’s Arlene Kelly and Laura Delany claimed three wickets each to restrict Pakistan during the runchase. Gabby Lewis clinched the award for player of the match and series. She was the top scorer in the three T20Is with 144 runs at a strike-rate of 130.90.
Ireland had defeated Pakistan by six wickets during the first women’s T20I of the series in Lahore on Saturday. Meanwhile, Pakistan bounced back to
win the second T20I by six wickets on Monday.
It must be noted that, before the T20I series, Pakistan clean swept the ODI series 3-0.
Messi cautious Argentina’s World chances
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Cup
Lionel Messi says he is cautious over Argentina’s chances as he prepares to lead the team at the World Cup, seeking to crown a glorious career by lifting the trophy in Qatar.
The South American side have won the trophy twice in 1978 and 1986 with Messi a defeated finalist in 2014. “We are very excited,” Messi said in an interview with CONMEBOL, the South American football federation.
“We have a very nice group that is very eager, but we think about going little by little. We know that World Cup groups are not easy.” Argentina’s opening match at the World Cup is on November 22 against Saudi Arabia in Group ‘C’, which also includes Mexico and Poland.
They will play a final friendly on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi against the United Arab Emirates.
“We hope to start the World Cup in the best way to face everything that comes after,” said Messi, who joined the rest of the squad in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Messi reached the final with Argentina in 2014 but suffered an extra-time defeat by Germany. Copa America champions Argentina are unbeaten in 35 games and if this is to be Messi’s final World Cup, they are in the form to deliver the title.
The Paris St. Germain forward highlighted the strengths of the team led by Lionel Scaloni and the advantage of having an established squad, who triumphed at last year’s Copa America.
“The more you play and the more time you spend on the pitch, the more you get to know each other,” he said.
“We know each other’s characteristics and what is best for each moment.” The forward said he doubted there would be a surprise winner of the World Cup.
“Whenever we talk about candidates, we always talk about the same teams,” he said. “If I have to put some above others I think Brazil, France and England are a little bit above the rest.