Mixed opening day for Pakistan

Pakistan's bowlers, led by a stifling spell from Nida Dar, inflicted a heavy six-wicket defeat on South Africa in the first match of the PCB Qatar Women's T20 series in Doha, two days after they had been routed by the same team in the final of the ODI series.

Pakistan chose to bowl and picked up the wicket of Trisha Chetty in the first over before removing the other opener, Lizelle Lee, in the fourth. Mignon du Preez and Marizanne Kapp prevented the fall of wickets for another five overs, but their run rate took a hit as only two boundaries were hit in that period. The situation, though, worsened once Sana Mir removed Kapp. From 34 for 2, South Africa slipped to 39 for 6, with Sadia Yousuf striking twice.

Dar bowled her first three overs for just three runs, but picked up two wickets in her fourth over - a wicket maiden - to further dent South Africa and they could only manage 64 in their 20 overs.

Pakistan were two down for 26 in the seventh over, but Qanita Jalil and Nain Abidi pushed them to within five runs of the target with a 34-run stand. Even though both were dismissed within five balls of each other, Pakistan were comfortable and completed the chase with 36 balls to spare.

Pakistan's bowlers were unable to repeat their first match heroics in the second game of the evening, losing by six wickets to Ireland. Defending 97, Pakistan struck twice in the eighth over to reduce Ireland to 37 for 3 but twins Isobel and Cecilia Joyce dropped the anchor. Ireland needed 56 runs from the last 10 overs and the twins kept their team ahead with frequent rotation of strike. Isobel was dismissed for 28 in the 16th over, but Cecilia ensured there were no hiccups thereafter as they comfortably achieved the target with two balls to spare.

Pakistan's innings earlier had followed the same pattern as Ireland's; they also lost two quick wickets to be 38 for 3 at one stage. But Nida Dar and Bismah Mahroof added 59 runs in the second half of the innings. Dar was dismissed off the last delivery of the innings for 28, but Pakistan's 97 was not enough.