In a thrilling T20 encounter against Pakistan, Ireland secured a memorable victory in the first match of the 3-match T20I series, sparking celebrations among cricket fans across the nation. The match, held on what was described as one of the flattest pitches in the world, witnessed an exhilarating battle between bat and ball.
Paul Stirling shares his reaction after the victory
Speaking after the match, an elated Irish captain, Paul Stirling expressed his delight at the team’s performance, emphasising the significance of the win against a formidable opponent like Pakistan. He credited the team’s collective effort, acknowledging the challenges posed by the conditions but commending the players for their resilience and determination.
The victory marked a significant moment for Ireland cricket, reaffirming their potential on the international stage and igniting hopes for future success. As fans revel in the euphoria of this memorable triumph, attention now turns to the next challenges that lie ahead for both teams in the dynamic world of T20 cricket.
“We are absolutely delighted, perfect start to the summer and a brilliant day this for us. When you come here, against Pakistan, flattest pitch in the world, and we were happy with 180. At one stage, we thought we could restrict them to 170, but we were delighted to chase 180 on that track,” said Stirling after the match.
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Ireland gets the better of Pakistan
Pakistan, after being asked to bat first, posted a competitive total of 182/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with Babar Azam leading the charge with a well-compiled 57, supported by Saim Ayub‘s impressive 45. However, Ireland’s bowlers, particularly Craig Young, made crucial breakthroughs, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs to keep Pakistan’s total within reach.
Facing a challenging target, Ireland batters displayed grit and determination from the outset. Andrew Balbirnie led from the front with a commanding knock of 77 runs, setting the tone for the chase. Supported by Harry Tector‘s valuable contribution of 36 runs, Ireland steadily pursued the target. Despite some resistance from Pakistan’s bowlers, notably Abbas Afridi, who picked up 2 wickets for 36 runs, Ireland held their nerve. In a nail-biting finish, they managed to achieve victory with just one ball to spare, reaching 183/5 in 19.5 overs.