Ireland's women cricketers recorded their fifth victory over Pakistan in College Park yesterday, where they free-wheeled home in the fourth one-day international by a massive 138 runs, with almost 17 overs to spare. And going on present form, only rain can save the Pakistanis from yet another mauling when the series ends at the same venue today (1 p.m.).

Yet, after Miriam Grealey had won the toss and elected to bat, Ireland started tentatively. Karen Young, Anne Linehan, Clare Shillington and Catherine O'Neill all departed quite cheaply, but the (more or less) middle-order batters were up to the occasion to ensured that Pakistan had 208 runs to chase.

Top scorer was Caitriona Beggs, who hit a fine half-century before hamstring trouble caused her to retire.