IRELAND’S women brought a little of the spirit of the Oval to Clontarf last night, holding their nerve to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with Pakistan.

India’s epic win against England has been the talk of the cricket world since Monday, but for those present in Castle Avenue yesterday there was a gripping battle between well-matched sides with the home team coming out on top by just 11 runs.

It means Ireland have won nine of their last 11 T20s – eight in a row – encompassing wins over Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and now Pakistan, and stands them in great stead for the World Cup qualifers in Netherlands later this month.

Pakistan lie one place ahead of Ireland in the ICC world rankings, a gap of 27 points. Yesterday’s win narrows the gap but even a 3-0 series win will still leave the visitors 12 points in front.

Ireland’s young side has been evolving over the past three years, with a rock solid top order and some promising bowlers. But failure to qualify for the World Cup was a blow and the side are regrouping under new coach Lloyd Tennant.

Pakistan won the toss and asked Gaby Lewis to bat, and the Irish captain was back in the tent within three overs after scoring just 1. But Amy Hunter, Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul settled in and found their range before losing their wickets to some excellent catching as they looked set to go large.

Hunter (37) and Paul (28) scored a majority of their runs behind the wicket while Prendergast hit some classic drives in her 33-ball 29. At 83-2 after 12 overs a score over 160 looked on, but wickets were lost and Ireland fell short.

As is often the way, Laura Delany added some vital runs at the death with her ferocious scampering, but skipper Fatima Sana came back to take 4-26 and bowl Ireland out for 143 in the last over.

It was only the second time in 32 games that Ireland have lost all ten wickets.

Much of the pre-match chat was about how Tennant could get the seamers mojo working, and they didn’t let him down.

Jane Maguire, on her 50th game for Ireland, appeared to be running in harder and faster than hitherto and she was rewarded with the scalp of the experienced Gull Feroza for 5.

At the other end Prendergast was sharp and accurate and dismissed the other opener, Muneeb Ali, for the same score.

Ireland’s ground fielding was not quite as efficient as their opponents, but they couldn’t fault the captain, who help three screamers in the outfield.

Ava Canning bowled a superb spell, her four overs costing just nine runs, as Pakistan were reduced to 46-4 at the half-way mark, requiring another 97 off 10 overs.

But spinners Cara Murray and Lara McBride were tidy, but with four overs left Pakistan raised the 100 and were poised to make a charge.

The return of Prendergast and Maguire turned the pressure back on the visitors as Ireland sparkled in the field.

Pakistan’s leading batter Natalia Pervaiz chipped Prendergast to Murray at mid-off for 29, and  next over snapped up a third wicket when Arlene Kelly stayed calm under a skyer from Diana Baig.

With 23 needed off the last over the result was never in doubt and Prendergast (3-28 and 29 runs) collected the player of the match award.

‘It’s a hard ground to defend,’ said the all rounder, ‘some shots run away that aren’t worth as much on other ground. So it was good to get the win.’