Pakistan exhibited their dominance in the T20 arena as they clinched a thrilling victory against Ireland in the third match of the series, securing a 2-1 triumph.
The encounter, held at Clontarf Cricket Club, witnessed Pakistan’s impeccable performance, overshadowing Ireland’s spirited effort.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s decision seemed justified as they contained the Irish batting lineup to a respectable total of 178 runs for the loss of seven wickets within the stipulated 20 overs. Lorcan Tucker emerged as the standout performer for Ireland, showcasing an impressive display of stroke play with a stellar 73 runs off just 41 balls. Supported by Andrew Balbirnie’s 35 and Harry Tector’s unbeaten 30, Ireland posted a challenging target.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by the formidable Shaheen Shah Afridi, showcased its prowess, with Afridi scalping three crucial wickets for a mere 14 runs in his quota of four overs. Abbas Aridi and Imad Wasim complemented Afridi’s spell, with Aridi claiming two wickets and Wasim clinching one.
Chasing down the target of 179 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup exhibited resilience and determination. Skipper Babar Azam played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with a scintillating 75 runs off just 42 balls. Mohammad Rizwan’s contribution of 56 runs provided crucial support, steering Pakistan towards victory. Azam Khan’s unbeaten 18 off six balls further consolidated Pakistan’s position.
Despite Ireland’s efforts to defend their total, Pakistan emerged victorious with two overs to spare, finishing at 181 runs for the loss of four wickets. Mark Adair was the standout bowler for Ireland, claiming three wickets for 28 runs, while Craig Young managed to secure one wicket.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exceptional performance with the ball earned him the accolade of Player of the Match. Afridi’s lethal bowling spell played a pivotal role in dismantling Ireland’s batting lineup, setting the stage for Pakistan’s triumph.
With this series victory, Pakistan reaffirms its prowess in the T20 format, showcasing a blend of skill, determination, and strategic acumen. The team’s stellar performance underscores their status as a formidable force in international cricket, setting high expectations for their future endeavors.