The third and final T20 International of the Pakistan tour of Ireland, 2024 was a nail-biting affair, with Pakistan ultimately emerging victorious by 6 wickets with 3 overs to spare. Babar Azam’s scintillating knock of 75 runs steered the visitors through a tense chase, clinching the series in dramatic fashion.
Ireland’s Fighting Total
After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to field, putting the onus on Ireland to set a competitive total. The Irish innings began with a brisk 15-run opening partnership between captain Andy Balbirnie (35 runs off 26 balls) and Ross Adair (7 runs off 8 balls). However, the real momentum came courtesy of Lorcan Tucker, who anchored the innings with a flamboyant 73 runs from 41 deliveries, laced with 13 boundaries and a six.
Balbirnie and Tucker’s 85-run partnership laid the foundation for a challenging total. Harry Tector’s cameo of 30 runs off 20 balls further boosted the Irish cause. Lower-order contributions from Dockrell (6) and Hume (10) ensured Ireland finished on a respectable 178 runs.
Pakistan’s bowlers had mixed fortunes. Shaheen Afridi was the standout performer, scalping 3 wickets for just 14 runs. Abbas Afridi also picked up 2 wickets, but the other bowlers proved expensive.
Pakistan’s Calculated Chase
In response, Pakistan’s chase began cautiously. Saim Ayub (14) and Mohammad Rizwan (56) added 16 runs before Ayub fell to Mark Adair. This brought Babar Azam to the crease, and the skipper immediately took charge.
Azam, displaying impeccable timing and placement, dominated the Irish attack. His partnership of 139 runs with Rizwan turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor. Azam’s elegant strokeplay, featuring six boundaries and five sixes, left the Irish bowlers bewildered.
Even after Rizwan’s dismissal, Azam Khan provided a late surge with a rapid 18 runs off just 6 balls. Despite losing a few quick wickets, Pakistan reached the target comfortably, sealing a 6-wicket victory in the 17th over.
Mark Adair was the pick of the Irish bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 28 runs. However, the lack of support from other bowlers made it an uphill battle for the hosts.
Azam’s Brilliance Seals the Series
Babar Azam was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. His ability to remain calm under pressure and guide the team through the chase was a testament to his leadership and batting prowess.
The series victory was a well-deserved outcome for Pakistan, showcasing their strength and depth. For Ireland, it was a missed opportunity, but they can take heart from their competitive performances throughout the series.
Key Takeaways
- Lorcan Tucker’s aggressive knock was the highlight of Ireland’s innings.
- Shaheen Afridi’s early wickets put Pakistan in a commanding position.
- Babar Azam’s masterful innings proved to be the difference between the two sides.
- Mark Adair’s 3-wicket haul was a bright spot for Ireland.
The Pakistan tour of Ireland, 2024, was an enthralling contest, showcasing the growing competitiveness of Associate nations like Ireland against established cricketing powerhouses like Pakistan. The series provided valuable experience for both teams as they look ahead to future challenges.
Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Craig Young, Benjamin White Fall of wickets: 15-1 (Ross Adair, 2.4), 100-2 (Balbirnie, 10.5), 132-3 (Lorcan Tucker, 13.4), 137-4 (Neil Rock, 14.5), 150-5 (Dockrell, 16.3), 153-6 (Curtis Campher, 17.2), 164-7 (Mark Adair, 18.3)
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Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir Fall of wickets: 16-1 (Saim Ayub, 2.3), 155-2 (Mohammad Rizwan, 14.5), 158-3 (Babar Azam, 15.3), 167-4 (Iftikhar Ahmed, 16.2)
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