Pakistan showcased their dominance once again as they clinched the three-match T20I series against Ireland with a convincing six-wicket victory in the series decider at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.
After suffering a setback in the opening match, the Babar Azam-led Pakistani unit bounced back remarkably, displaying their prowess in the shortest format of the game.
Chasing a challenging target of 179 runs set by the hosts, Pakistan encountered an early hiccup with the departure of opener Saim Ayub. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the ship with a remarkable 139-run partnership. Their stellar performance not only guided Pakistan to victory but also etched their names in the annals of cricketing history.
Azam and Rizwan etched their names as the first pair to amass 3,000 partnership runs in T20Is, alongside being the first to achieve 10-century stands. This feat places them in a league of their own, surpassing even the famed Indian duo of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.
Adding to the spectacle, Babar Azam showcased his exceptional batting prowess by smashing three consecutive sixes and four in a single over off Benjamin White, marking a remarkable milestone in his career.
Following the departure of Rizwan and Babar, Azam Khan played a crucial cameo, guiding Pakistan over the line with an impressive knock of 18 runs off just 6 balls.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan's bowlers put on a commendable display to restrict Ireland to 178/7 despite a strong start by the home side. Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as the standout performer, conceding a mere 14 runs while scalping three crucial wickets.
Despite valiant efforts from Lorcan Tucker, who scored a blistering 73 off 41 balls, Ireland failed to capitalize on their strong start, ultimately falling short against Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack.
Ireland inning
Ireland has set a challenging target of 179 runs for Pakistan in the decisive encounter held in Dublin.
Ireland suffered an early setback as Ross Adair departed for just 7 runs in the third over, courtesy of a delivery from Shaheen Afridi, after being put into bat first by Pakistan. However, Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker then formed a formidable partnership, swiftly accelerating the scoring rate.
The home team reached the 100-run mark in just 10.4 overs, but their momentum was momentarily halted when Balbirnie departed for 35 runs, falling victim to Abbas Afridi's bowling.
Despite the loss of Balbirnie, Tucker remained steadfast in his approach, relentlessly attacking the Pakistani bowlers. His aggressive innings of 73 runs off 41 deliveries, which included 13 fours and a six, kept the scoreboard ticking for Ireland until he was eventually dismissed by Imad Wasim.
Pakistan sought to regain control by claiming further wickets. Shaheen Afridi struck again to remove Neil Rock for 4 runs, while Mohammad Amir accounted for George Dockrell, who managed just 6 runs. Abbas Afridi then joined the wicket-taking spree by dismissing Curtis Campher for a mere 1 run.
Despite Ireland's efforts, they were restricted to a total of 178/7 by Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack. Shaheen Afridi emerged as the standout performer with figures of 3/14, supported by Abbas Afridi who claimed two crucial wickets.
In terms of team compositions, Pakistan made a single change in their playing XI, with Hasan Ali replacing Naseem Shah. On the other hand, Ireland opted for multiple alterations, notably sidelining their skipper Paul Stirling.
Pakistan, seeking to clinch the series after a stunning comeback in the second T20I, have made a strategic change in their playing XI, with Hassan Ali stepping in for Naseem Shah. Led by the dynamic Babar Azam, the Pakistani side is determined to carry forward the momentum gained from their emphatic chase in the previous match.
Meanwhile, Ireland, buoyed by their impressive performance in the series opener, have shuffled their lineup, opting to bench skipper Paul Stirling. With a fresh combination in place, Ireland aims to counter Pakistan's prowess and secure a series win on home soil.
The encounter is not devoid of challenges, as inclement weather threatens to intervene. With forecasts predicting light rain and a moderate breeze, both teams must adapt swiftly to the conditions.
While the rain may momentarily halt play, the battle on the field promises to be relentless, with each side eyeing the coveted series trophy.
Squads
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Hassan Ali, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir
Ireland: Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (c & wk), Ben White, Craig Young
