Pakistan concluded their T20 World Cup (WC) 2024 campaign on a high note, triumphing over Ireland in a spirited encounter. Shaheen Afridi starred with both bat and ball, guiding Pakistan to victory.
In a match where pride was at stake, Pakistan opted to bowl after winning the toss at Lauderhill. Their bowlers set the tone early, with Shaheen Shah Afridi wreaking havoc, claiming three crucial wickets upfront. Despite a valiant effort from Ireland’s lower order, they managed only 106/9 in their allotted 20 overs, having been 15/4 at one stage.
Despite the early setbacks, Ireland managed to recover somewhat with contributions from Gareth Delany (31) and a resilient effort from their tailenders, Josh Little (22 not out) and Ben White (5 not out), guiding them to a total of 106/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Imad Wasim also making an impact with figures of 3/8.
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan started their innings positively with Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub laying a solid foundation. However, Ireland fought back through Barry McCarthy, who picked up crucial wickets in quick succession to bring the match back into contention. At 57/5, Pakistan faced a slight hiccup, but Babar Azam steadied the ship with an unbeaten 32, guiding his team towards victory.
The defining moment came when Shaheen Shah Afridi showcased his prowess with the bat, smashing 13 runs off just five deliveries to seal the win for Pakistan. His all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his pivotal role in Pakistan’s success.
This victory marked Pakistan’s second win in the tournament, following their earlier triumph against Canada. Despite their inconsistent campaign, Pakistan ended on a positive note, demonstrating their potential in T20 cricket.
Meanwhile, Ireland concluded their World Cup journey without a win, reflecting on areas for improvement in future tournaments. Overall, Pakistan’s performance against Ireland was a testament to their bowling depth and resilience under pressure.
For Pakistan, the T20 World Cup 2024 was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Despite early setbacks with two losses, they rallied with victories over Canada and Ireland. However, their hopes for advancement ultimately relied on external factors beyond their control, which did not align in their favor.
