After being behind for three-quarters of the game, Ireland came with a stunning late surge to beat Pakistan and take the three-match series 2-0 yesterday.

In a dramatic last over, tail-ender Jane Maguire walked to the wicket to face the last ball, with four needed to win.

The world's number one-ranked bowler, Sadia Iqbal, sent down a rare poor delivery and Maguire smashed it back over her head, lifting her arms in the air as it hit the sightscreen.

For so much of the game that was an unimaginable conclusion. Pakistan bounced back from a poor batting display to make 168-6, their highest score in 22 games between the sides. 

It also meant Ireland needed to beat their best-ever chase in Clontarf, 170 against England last September.

Pakistan attacked from the outset, with each of their top five making at least 22, and all at excellent strike rates. 

Ireland spinners Cara Murray and Lara McBride again took two wickets apiece, although Orla Prendergast was the only bowler to concede fewer than eight an over, and also picked up her 50th wicket in T20s, the fourth to do so for Ireland after Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly and Eimear Richardson.

Facing a huge target, Ireland were quickly up against it, with Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul all out in the powerplay for 35.

But Prendergast and Laura Delany are highly experienced and kept Ireland in the game, adding an Irish record of 76 for the fourth wicket before, on 51 Prendergast swung at a wide full-toss down leg and her edge found a fielder.

Delany continued to play second fiddle, this time to Rebecca Stokell, who found the boundary with her big hitting and ran aggressively between the wickets.

They added 49 in less than four overs but Delany fell for 42 with six balls left.

Stokell (34no) ran selflessly but Ava Canning was out with one ball left and four required.

Enter Maguire and a shot that echoed all the way to her home club in Skerries, and ensured Ireland have a new record of nine successive victories.