Ireland snatches victory from Pakistan in T20 thriller

DUBLIN: In a thrilling encounter, Ireland clinched victory over Pakistan in the first T20 match of the series. Ireland outplayed Pakistan, securing a 5-wicket win after chasing down Pakistan’s target of 183 runs in the final over, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

The match, played in Dublin, saw Ireland’s captain Paul Stirling win the toss and invite Pakistan to bat first. The Pakistan team featured captain Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Abbas Afridi.

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Pakistan’s innings ended at 182 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Babar Azam scored 57 runs, Saim Ayub contributed 45, while Fakhar Zaman was dismissed at 20 runs. Azam Khan and Shadab Khan returned to the pavilion without scoring, and Mohammad Rizwan managed only one run. Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten with 37 runs. From Ireland’s side, Craig Young took 2 wickets.

It’s important to note that the second and third T20 matches between Pakistan and Ireland will be played on the 12th and 14th of May, respectively, in Dublin.