Pakistan continued their three-match T20I series against Ireland with a convincing six-wicket win in the stage decider at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.
After falling short in the opening match, Pakistan’s Babar Azam-led side bounced back in a big way, showing their mettle in the shortest format of the game.
Chasing a tough target of 179, Pakistan faced an early setback with the departure of opener Saim Ayub. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered the ship with a brilliant partnership of 139. Their brilliant performance not only guided Pakistan to victory but also etched their names in the annals of cricket history.
Azam and Rizwan became the first pair to reach the 10th century stand in T20Is as the first pair to amass 3,000 runs. This performance put them in a league of their own, much more than the popular Indian duo of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.
Babar Azam, who was added to the show, hit three consecutive sixes and fours off Benjamin White to mark his career milestone and showed his excellent batting.
After the departure of Rizwan and Babar, Azam Khan played a crucial game and guided Pakistan to 18 from just 6 overs.
Before the match, Pakistan’s bowlers performed commendably to restrict Ireland to 178/7 despite a strong start from the hosts. Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as the main performer, scoring just 14 goals, scoring three important wickets.
Despite a spirited effort from Lorcan Tucker, who scored 73 off 41 balls, Ireland failed to capitalize on their strong start and eventually came up against a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack.
Ireland’s Batting
Ireland set Pakistan a tough target of 179 in the deciding match in Dublin.
Ireland fell short after Ross Adair departed for just 7 in the third innings, Shaheen Afridi’s delivery after being bowled by Pakistan in the first innings. However, Andy Balbirni and Lorcan Tucker had a good partnership to speed up the scoring.
The team reached 100 runs in just 10.4 overs, but Balbirni fell prey to Abbas Afridi’s bowling and the momentum was temporarily halted after he scored 35 runs.
Despite losing the ball, Tucker remained steadfast in his approach, attacking the Pakistani bowlers relentlessly. He scored 73 in 41 matches, which included 13 fours and a six, and kept the score on the board for Ireland until he was dismissed by Imad Wasim.
Pakistan tried to regain control by claiming further wickets. Shaheen Afridi hit Neil Rock again to take 4 wickets, while Mohammad Amir went over at the expense of George Dockrell who managed only 6 wickets. Abbas Afridi then joined the scoring by dismissing Kurtis Kemper for just 1 wicket.
Despite Ireland’s efforts, Pakistan were restricted to 178/7 by a disciplined bowling attack. Shaheen Afridi emerged as a standout performer with figures of 3/14 supported by Abbas Afridi who claimed two crucial wickets.
In terms of lineups, Pakistan made a single change to the playing XI, with Hasan Ali replacing Naseem Shah. Ireland, on the other hand, opted for many changes, especially on the side of violinist Paul Stirling.
Pakistan, who are trying to clinch the series after a stunning comeback in the second T20I, made a strategic change in their playing XI, with Hasan Ali replacing Nasim Shah. Led by the dynamic Babar Azam, the Pakistani side is determined to build on the momentum gained from their strong chase in the previous match.
Meanwhile, buoyed by their impressive performance in the tournament opener, Ireland have made changes to their lineup with the replacement of batsman Paul Stirling. With a new combination, Ireland are looking to challenge Pakistan’s bravery and win at home.
The meeting was not without difficulties, because bad weather threatened to disrupt it. With the forecast calling for light rain and moderate winds, both teams will have to quickly adapt to the conditions.
Although rain may temporarily stop play, the battle on the field promises to be fierce, with each side looking for the coveted series trophy.
