The ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 has officially begun in Lahore, with hosts Pakistan facing Ireland in the tournament opener at the historic Gaddafi Stadium. With temperatures soaring and pressure mounting, both teams are looking for a prized place in the main event.
Ranking 10th and 11th, respectively, Ireland and Pakistan are evenly matched on paper. History, however, has another story to tell. Since 2008, Pakistan has overwhelmed the Irish team in ODIs, including a clean sweep when the two sides last clashed in Lahore in 2022.
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Home Advantage and Leadership Under Fatima Sana
This distinction carries additional meaning for Pakistan—not only because it’s being played on home turf for the first time but because the side is determined to qualify for the fourth World Cup in a row.
Leading the side is 22-year-old all-rounder Fatima Sana, who also captained Pakistan in last year’s T20 World Cup. “It’s an honour to lead the team at home. We’re ready to play positive cricket and qualify for the World Cup, Insha Allah,” she said.
Strengths, Setbacks, and Key Players to Watch
Pakistan entered the tournament on the back of success, having beaten both Thailand and West Indies in warm-up games. Recent ODI series defeats to England, New Zealand, and West Indies highlight weaknesses, though. The return of injured 19-year-old batter Shawaal Zulfiqar is welcome, as is the experience of Sidra Amin and Diana Baig.
For Ireland, captain Gaby Lewis is at the helm of a team that mixes experienced talent with up-and-coming stars. Amy Hunter, still the record-breaking youngest-ever ODI centurion, and Kia McCartney are tipped to come good. Injury doubts notwithstanding, coach Ed Joyce views the tournament as a litmus test of squad depth and nurturing.
Heat, History, and High Stakes
With six sides—Pakistan, Ireland, Bangladesh, West Indies, Scotland, and Thailand—battling it out for two qualification spots, each game is a do-or-die match.
The searing Lahore heat, which rose to 41°C, will put fitness to the test, although Wednesday’s weather forecast does hold out some hope of cloud cover. With the games kicking off, supporters are looking forward to seeing if Pakistan can get their home advantage to pay—or if Ireland can pen another page in their return-to-form book.
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