Jane Maguire strode to the wicket at Clontarf last night needing to hit a four from the final ball to beat Pakistan and went two better with a stunning six back over the bowler’s head to secure a thrilling four-wicket win for Ireland.

Jane Maguire: Pic: Sportsfile/Cricket Ireland

The tourists’ batting was a level up from Wednesday’s 11-run loss in the opener, and a total of 168-6 looked a stern test for the home side.

Orla Prendergast, who had delivered yet another probing spell, that included her 50th T20i wicket, followed up with a classy half-century but when she fell for 51, including two sixes, the Girls in Green still needed another 58 to win from 29 balls.

Laura Delany was ticking along nicely on her way to 42 from 34 balls but it was the innings of her life from Rebecca Stokell that enabled her side to get over line — a mighty 34 not out from 16 balls.

Rebecca Stokell: Pic: Sportsfile/Cricket Ireland

Every ball seemed to find the middle of the Merrion woman’s bat and Pakistan’s experienced attack had no answer as the most powerful hitter in the Ireland line-up plundered four boundaries and turned ones into twos with hard running.

Nine to win from the final over should have been a formality but with Delany already gone and Stokell taking a single off the first ball, Ava Canning only managed four from the next three and was then bowled, leaving the stage to Maguire.

The Hills bowler shuffled down the pitch to meet a strangely loopy full toss and hit it baseball-style into the sightscreen.

“I’m a bit lost for words,” Stokell said, after receiving her Player-of-the-Match award.

“We knew what was required when I went in there and with Laura at the other end and going so well I was just looking to build a partnership with her and take the game on.

“I wanted to step up to the challenge and it came off.”

Skipper Gaby Lewis was full of praise for Delany, who played a crucial foil to both Prendergast and Stokell.

Ireland celebrate: Pic: Sportsfile/Cricket Ireland

“We all know ‘Del’ has the shots and her calm head and experience out there is so valuable,” she said.

The Girls in Green have now won nine T20 internationals off the reel, and leading 2-0 with one to play have beaten the higher ranked team in home and away series. Lewis will be keen to complete a clean sweep in the final game at Castle Avenue tomorrow.