Ireland, who are aiming for a good result in the upcoming T20 World Cup, started their ongoing T20I series at home against Pakistan with a win. Dublin fans were impressed with the match, which the home team won by five wickets.
Chasing 183, Ireland reached 183/5 in 19.5 overs, with Andrew Balbirnie proving to be the central figure. Balbirnie, who got his start as a batsman in a chase with captain Paul Stirling, smashed 77 off 55 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes. The second innings also saw decisive knocks from Harry Tector (36) and George Dockrell (24). Meanwhile, Abbas Afridi picked up two wickets for Pakistan.
Initially, Babar Azam's half-century saw the visitors post 182/6 in 20 overs. The returning Pakistan captain hit 57 off 43 deliveries, hitting eight fours and one six in the middle. Craig Young was in good form in Ireland's bowling department, picking up two wickets. Pakistan will also have a lot to worry about. Opening wicketkeeper and batsman Mohammad Rizwan could only manage a single in four balls. Meanwhile, Azam Khan and Shadab Khan left for Ahil.
In his post-match speech, Ireland captain Sterling explained where he had chosen to defend after raising the toss. He also said that Pakistan has the “flattest pitches” in the world, which contributed to the decision to field. “We are really happy. We wanted to start the summer off well and today was almost a perfect day for us, especially coming here from Pakistan, which has the flattest pitch in the world. Ask them to bat first and see what they can do.'' A great knock from Balbani got him through the powerplay and then picked up the pace. Especially against Pakistan, we played a great game. ” He said.
Ireland are in the same group as Pakistan in the T20 World Cup and this win will be a huge confidence booster for them. Group A also includes Canada, India, and the United States.
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