Ed Joyce: Ireland making plans for dangerous Ayesha Naseem

Ireland coach Ed Joyce said his side 'have a few plans in place' to cope with big-hitter Ayesha Naseem as they take on Pakistan in their second ICC Women’s T20 World Cup group game.

Ayesha was among the standout performers in Pakistan’s seven-wicket defeat against India on Sunday, scoring an unbeaten 43 from 25 deliveries.

Ireland, who are featuring in their first World Cup since 2018, now travel to Cape Town to play Salim Jaffar’s side, who they defeated 2-1 in November’s T20I series between the sides.

On the threat of Naseem, Joyce said, "She is a huge player for Pakistan.

"We know she hit very well straight down the ground and we have to avoid giving her width so that she can free her arms.

"We have a few plans in place but it is whether they actually come off and whether you take the catches that are given.

"When she hits the ball, it tends to go a long way in the air or very hard, so I think we need to focus on that when we’re doing our fielding practice."

Ireland were beaten by England in their opening group game on Monday, bowled out for 105 after losing their last eight wickets for just 25.

England’s spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn and Charlie Dean took eight wickets between them and Joyce is aware they will have to improve against Pakistan’s slow bowlers.

"We could have played the spinners better so that’s something we’re talking about and focusing on for," said Joyce.

"They are a good team. It will be a good, competitive game and there were some things in the game yesterday that we can take confidence from as well.

Ireland have a potent spinner of their own in their armoury, with Cara Murray looking to build on her excellent figures of three for 15 against England.

"That’s the most consistent I’ve seen her and