In a thrilling conclusion to the Pakistan Tour of Ireland 2024, the Men in Green secured a convincing six-wicket victory over the hosts in the third and final T20I. The comprehensive win highlighted Pakistan’s dominance in both batting and bowling as the bagged the series 2-1.
Lorcan Tucker sizzles with the bat for Ireland
Ireland’s innings was anchored by an impressive performance from Lorcan Tucker, who scored a rapid 73 runs off 41 balls. Tucker’s innings was marked by aggressive stroke play, including 13 fours and a six, providing a crucial backbone to Ireland’s total. Andy Balbirnie supported with a steady 35 off 26 balls, hitting 2 fours and 3 sixes, helping Ireland build a competitive score.
Harry Tector also contributed with a brisk 30 off 20 balls, including 2 fours and a six, adding vital runs in the middle order. However, Ireland struggled to maintain partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals, with several batters unable to capitalize on their starts. The lower order could not provide the late acceleration needed, and Ireland finished at 178/7 in their 20 overs.
Shaheen Afridi impresses with splendid bowling
Pakistan’s decision to bowl first paid off as their bowlers executed their plans effectively. Shaheen Afridi led the attack with an outstanding spell, taking 3 wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs. His ability to strike early and contain runs put Ireland on the back foot from the start. Abbas Afridi supported him well, claiming 2 wickets for 43 runs, though he was more expensive.
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan take Pakistan home
In pursuit of 179, Pakistan’s batting was spearheaded by a superb innings from captain Babar Azam, who scored 75 runs off 42 balls. Babar’s knock included 6 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing his class and composure under pressure. He was ably supported by Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a composed 56 off 38 balls, with 4 fours and 3 sixes, anchoring the innings alongside his captain. The duo’s partnership laid a solid foundation for the chase. Azam Khan’s quickfire 18 off 6 balls provided the final thrust needed to secure the victory.
Despite losing a few wickets, Pakistan’s batting lineup displayed depth and resilience, reaching the target with three overs to spare, finishing at 181/4 in 17 overs. The calculated aggression and effective strike rotation were key factors in their successful run chase.
Mark Adair was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in his four overs, including the crucial scalps of key Pakistani batsmen. His disciplined bowling gave Ireland hope of defending their total. Despite Adair’s efforts, the overall lack of control and penetration in the bowling attack meant that Pakistan chased down the target comfortably in 17 overs.
Also READ: IPL 2024 – Here’s how fans can buy match tickets for the playoffs
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Congratulations to the Pakistan Cricket team for winning the series against Ireland! With teamwork and dedication, you have proven to be the best team in the world. Best of luck, boys, for the England series and the World Cup! 🇵🇰
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) May 14, 2024
Pakistan win the final T20I by six wickets ✅@babarazam258 and @iMRizwanPak boss the chase with a stellar batting display 👏#IREvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Kcf6x09peF
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 14, 2024
Shaheen Afridi said “Both Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan are world class players. They know their job well and they have won us so many matches” 🇵🇰🔥🔥#IREvPAK #tapmad #HojaoADFree pic.twitter.com/kLNo7Uof5v
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) May 14, 2024
Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan share their first 100 run partnership in T20s since November 2022 #IREvPAK pic.twitter.com/LTI1utyivo
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) May 14, 2024
Mohammad Rizwan & Babar Azam becomes first batting pair to complete 3000 partnership runs and score 10 century partnerships. pic.twitter.com/0qg2yk4qMH
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) May 14, 2024
A 139-run partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan sees Pakistan to a comfortable win in the 3rd T20I. 🔥🔥
The visitors Clinch the series 2-1! 🏆#BabarAzam𓃵 || #BabarAzam || #IREvPAK || #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/d1QhVoVWwf
— Babar Azam World (@Babarazam958) May 14, 2024
Babar Azam and Rizwan showing how good they’re together 🙌🤩🥺#BabarAzam #PAKvsIRE #IREvsPAK pic.twitter.com/g84SipuSPt
— King Babar Azam Army (@kingbabararmy) May 14, 2024
Another milestone by this pair. Mohammad Rizwan & Babar Azam becomes first batting pair to amass 3000 partnership runs and score 10 century partnerships.
This is 17th time Babar was involved in a 100 partnership in T20Is – the most by anyone.
Rizwan’s 13th involvement in 100… pic.twitter.com/m0WqeyMpeR— Sheraxii Tweets (@i_mAfridi7) May 14, 2024
4 sixes in an over by BABAR AZAM #BabarAzam𓃵 #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/3de1xeQPLU
— Mary Marouf (@Cricket_istic) May 14, 2024
Under Babar Azam’s captaincy
– We have won another series 🥵#PAKvsIRE | #PAKvIRE pic.twitter.com/9Cfgqeeemt
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) May 14, 2024
Here you go ❤️❤️#PAKvsIRE #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/lz6GM1q1TL
— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) May 14, 2024