Tame defeat to Pakistan for Irish women

THE Irish women cricketers are up against it in their bid to qualify for the World Cup after a tame defeat to Pakistan yesterday.

After taking a hammering from the Windies, Isobel Joyce's side needed to bounce back at Fatullah yesterday.

But a score of 140 was never enough and Pakistan romped home by eight wickets.

Claire Shillington fell for 0 in the first over for the second time, but Cecelia Joyce (19) and Jill Whelan (35) took the score to 47 before Sadia Yousuf claimed the captain's twin.

Wickets fell steadily, with Isobel Joyce making 23, Laura Delany 16 and Eimear Richardson 15.

Defending 140 meant quick wickets were needed, but Pakistan's opening pair put on 50. Thirteen-year-old Elena Tice took the prize scalp of Sana Mir, but despite Richardson's fine spell of 10-2-18-0 the Asians romped home.