DUBLIN, May 11: Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Ireland created a sensation in the cricket world on Friday by defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the first T20I of a three-match series at Clontarf Cricket Club here. Ta. This is the first time Ireland have won a T20I against Pakistan and only the second time in history that the two teams have met. Pakistan won the first match between the two.
Experienced Andy Balbirnie top-scored for Ireland, restricting Pakistan to 182/6 in 20 overs, before successfully chasing down a target of 183/5 with plenty of space on the ball, hitting 10 for four. He scored a 55-ball 77, including two sixes.
Pakistan will be disappointed with their performance and will have to focus on improving their fielding and overall strength for a strong comeback in the second T20I on Sunday.
Early in the match, Ireland decided to let Pakistan bat first. Pakistan did not have the best start as they lost Mohammad Rizwan early on. However, after a slow start, Saim Ayub and captain Babar Azam set the pace well. Azam completed his 35th T20I half-century before hitting 57 not out. Ayub also played a productive innings, scoring 45 runs off 29 balls (4×4, 6×2).
However, a rapid collapse in the middle overs delayed Pakistan’s scoring. However, an impressive cameo from Iftikhar Ahmed towards the end (37 not out from 15 balls) revitalized the team’s efforts and helped them post a respectable total on the scoreboard.
Chasing a target of 183 runs, Ireland’s batsmen fought hard, but the pendulum swung in both sides at times, ultimately favoring the hosts. This was all thanks to a brilliant knock from Andy Balbani, who got him as a player. match award. In the final over, Curtis Campher gave the chase a nice finishing touch as he smashed 15 runs off seven balls.
Quick score:
Pakistan made 182/6 in 20 overs (Siam Ayub 45, Babar Azam 57, Iftikhar Ahmed 37 absent, Craig Young 2-27) and lost to Ireland on 183/5 in 19.5 overs (Andy Bal Bernie 77, Harry Tector 35, Curtis Campfer 15) out; Abbas Afridi 2-46) 5 wickets apart.
