In a nail-biting conclusion to their T20 World Cup campaign, Pakistan clinched a tense three-wicket win over Ireland in a Group A match, thanks to pivotal performances from Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
Though the chase was more challenging than anticipated, Pakistan emerged victorious due to early breakthroughs and a late surge from Shaheen.
The game kicked off with Pakistan’s bowlers dismantling Ireland's top order. Shaheen Afridi, ending an eight-match streak without a first-over wicket, showcased exceptional swing bowling. He bowled Andrew Balbirnie with a perfect inswinger and had Lorcan Tucker caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan shortly after.
Shaheen’s early spell left Ireland struggling at 32 for 6, with support from Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf who also took key wickets.
Despite the early collapse, Ireland fought back through Gareth Delany and Mark Adair. Their 44-run partnership off 30 balls, attacking Shadab Khan and Abbas Afridi, kept Ireland in the contest.
Imad Wasim, likely playing his final match for Pakistan, cleaned up the lower order with impressive figures of 3 for 8 in his four overs. A determined knock from Josh Little, scoring 22, helped Ireland reach a total of 106.
Pakistan’s chase began smoothly with Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam making steady progress. By the eighth over, they seemed to be in control, neutralizing the Irish attack. However, a middle-order collapse saw Curtis Campher and Barry McCarthy take four wickets for just 10 runs, leaving Babar with a challenging task ahead.
In a tense finish, Abbas Afridi scored a crucial 17, reducing the target to 12 runs. Josh Little’s calf injury forced Ireland to turn to spin against Shaheen Afridi, who took advantage by hitting two sixes to secure the win for Pakistan.
Ireland’s resilient effort, led by Delany and Adair, was admirable. Their aggressive play against Shadab and Abbas Afridi kept them in the game. Even with frequent wickets falling, the unbeaten last-wicket partnership between Little and Ben White, adding 26 runs, ensured a defendable score.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s win was more of a relief than a celebration. Despite their bowlers, particularly Shaheen, setting up the match well, the middle-order collapse revealed the team’s weaknesses. Nonetheless, Babar’s steady performance and Shaheen’s late-game heroics ensured Pakistan ended their campaign on a positive note.
Brief Scores:
Ireland 106 for 9 in 20 overs (Gareth Delany 31, Josh Little 22; Imad Wasim 3-8, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-22) lost to Pakistan 111 for 7 in 18.5 overs (Babar Azam 32 not out, Saim Ayub 17; Barry McCarthy 3-15, Curtis Campher 2-24) by three wickets.
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