Records fall as Ireland stun Pakistan on eve of T20 World Cup

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Multiple records fell as Ireland produced an impressive audition ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup with a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dublin on Sunday.

It was Ireland's highest successful run chase in any women's T20I contest, as the side ran down Pakistan's score of 176/6 for the loss of just three wickets and with five deliveries remaining in a promising sign less than a fortnight out from the start of the T20 World Cup.

It was Rebecca Stokell that led the way for Ireland as the right-hander stroked her highest international score with an unbeaten 60, while opener Amy Hunter (56) chipped in with a valuable half-century of her own at the top of the order.

Orla Prendergast (33) also provided some valuable runs late in the chase, with Stokell crediting the roles of her teammates in helping her keep her mind on the job while at the crease.

“I was struggling a bit initially so I concentrated on trying to build a partnership with Amy at the start as she was hitting it really well,” Stokell said.

“When Orla came in I don’t think there’s anyone else you’d want to bat with in that situation. I really enjoyed it out there and I’m glad we got the win.”

Pakistan received a quickfire innings from Muneeba Ali (65) at the top of their order earlier in the day, but their total wasn't quite enough as Stokell guided the home side across the line in the final over.

The victory was Ireland's first of the ongoing tri-series they are hosting, with Caribbean side West Indies unbeaten at the top of the table and Pakistan sitting in third without a win from their two matches thus far.