Pakistan defeat Ireland by seven wickets to level series

DUBLIN: Pakistan defeated Ireland by seven- wickets in the second T20I at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin, here on Sunday.

The men in green achieved the target in the 17th over thanks to brilliant performances from Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Azam Khan.

Pakistan struggled early on, losing Saim Ayub (6) and captain Babar Azam (0).

But Rizwan and Fakhar formed a great partnership. His 140-run partnership is Pakistan’s highest for the third wicket in a T20I, breaking the record of 105 between Rizwan and Hyder Ali.

Rizwan remained unbeaten on 75 runs off 46 balls with six fours and six fours, while Fakhar scored 78 runs off 40 balls with six fours and as many sixes.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Azam scored 30 runs in 10 overs, including four and four maximums, against Ireland’s bowlers.

Earlier, Ireland scored 7/193 while batting first against Pakistan, their highest ever total at Clontarf Cricket Club.

Pakistan chose to field, and Shaheen Afridi got off to a good start by taking the first two wickets. He dismissed Paul Stirling (16) and Andy Balburnie (11).

Read More: Pak vs Ire: Captain Babar Azam achieves another T20I milestone

But Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker helped Ireland recover with a 62-run partnership. Tector was the best batsman for the home side, scoring 51 runs off 34 balls, while Tucker scored 32 runs off 28 balls.

Curtis Campher also scored 22 off 13 balls, while Gareth Delaney made a cameo of 28 off 10 balls and remained not out to post Ireland’s highest ever total at Clontarf Cricket Club.

Shaheen took three wickets but conceded 49 runs, while Mohammad Amir took 1/44 in his first game of the series.

Abbas Afridi took two wickets for 33 runs, and Naseem Shah took one wicket for 36 runs.

The series finale will be held on April 14 at the same venue.