Historic Victory: Ireland Clinches Maiden T20I Win Over Pakistan

News Desk

Islamabad: Ireland secured their inaugural T20I triumph against Pakistan, defeating the visitors in the first match of the three-game series at Dublin’s Clontarf Cricket Club.

It marked a significant milestone as it was the first time Ireland had hosted Pakistan in T20Is.

Despite Pakistan making a strong start, taking two wickets in the initial five overs with Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi making breakthroughs, the hosts, led by Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector, mounted a comeback.

The duo put on an impressive 77-run partnership, steering Ireland’s innings back on track after an initial setback.

Although Tector departed after contributing 36 runs, Balbirnie remained steadfast, anchoring the innings.

George Dockrell injected vitality into Ireland’s batting, scoring a brisk 24 runs off 12 deliveries with four boundaries, which proved pivotal in shifting the momentum of the game.

Shaheen Afridi claimed two wickets, while Abbas Afridi, Imad Wasim, and Naseem Shah each managed to take one wicket for Pakistan.

Pakistan secured a crucial breakthrough when Shaheen dismissed Balbirnie, but Gareth Delany (scoring 10 off 6) and Curtis Campher (adding 15 off 7) guided the home team to victory.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a total of 182/6, led by skipper Babar Azam’s impressive 57 off 43 balls, supported by Saim Ayub’s quick 45 off 29 deliveries. Iftikhar Ahmed contributed a valuable unbeaten 37 off just 15 balls.

Facing an early setback with the loss of Mohammad Rizwan for 1, Pakistan found stability through Babar and Saim’s partnership of 85 runs. Saim’s innings ended at 45 off 29 balls, caught by Campher off Delany’s bowling. Babar, meanwhile, notched up his 38th T20I fifty before being caught by Mark Adair off Craig Young’s bowling, scoring 57 off 43 balls.

Despite a slight hiccup where Pakistan lost four wickets for 31 runs, Iftikhar’s aggressive batting towards the end proved crucial.

His quickfire 37 off 15 balls, including three fours and as many sixes, along with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s unbeaten 13 off 7 deliveries, helped Pakistan reach a competitive total. Shaheen’s innings was highlighted by two sixes, showcasing a strike rate of 185.71.