Earlier, Ireland asked Pakistan to bat first. Pakistan were off to a slow start, scoring 38 runs in the Powerplay and losing the key wicket of Mohammad Rizwan.
Babar Azam and Saim Ayub built a solid partnership of 85 runs off 57 balls, laying the foundation for a big score. Ayub fell five runs shy of his half-century, dismissed by Gareth Delany.
Babar Azam reached his fifty off 39 deliveries, but his dismissal in the 15th over triggered a collapse, with Azam Khan and Shadab Khan departing for ducks in quick succession.
A blistering cameo by Iftikhar Ahmed, scoring 37 runs off 15 balls, including three sixes and as many fours, propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 182/6 in their 20 overs with support from Shaheen who added 14 runs in 8 balls at the other end.
Both teams are set to compete in Group A of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. They will face each other in the tournament on 16 June, Sunday, in Florida.
Along with Pakistan and Ireland, Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 also includes co-hosts USA, India, as well as Canada, who are making their first appearance at the event.