Andrew Balbirnie starred with 77 off 55 balls to guide Ireland to a five-wicket win over Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series in Dublin on Friday. Helped by skipper Babar Azam’s 57 off 43 and Saim Ayub’s 45 off 29, Pakistan posted 182 for 6. Iftikhar Ahmed’s brisk cameo of 37 not out off 15 also helped Pakistan’s cause at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin, the venue for the game. For Ireland, Craig Young was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 27 in his quota of four overs.
Andrew Balbirnie, Player of the Match, said, I did not watch the last over, went to the tent and put a towel over my head. I felt it was my job to get the team over the line. I believe Curtis played a ramp shot. To do that in a massive pressure situation was great. Harry spoke to me and said if we could bat normally till the 13th over, we could get the runs as it’s a small ground and we can catch up quickly. That was a partnership which set it up. Yes, I was disappointed to get out on the full toss. You don’t get too many of those deliveries from a bowler like Shaheen. I was hoping it would be a no-ball but it can’t when it hits the stumps. My club is playing tomorrow but I will watch some cricket and take rest.
Babar Azam, Pakistan captain, said, I think we started no good, in the first 6 overs, the pitch is two-paced. But we recovered very well, 190 is a par score and we lost in the bowling and fielding. We did not execute our plans, few sloppy fielding, had we taken that catch… That’s why they win because they attack us. [on if they will practice tomorrow] Let’s see, let’s talk with the coach.
Paul Stirling, Ireland captain, said We are absolutely delighted, we wanted to start the summer off well and it was almost a perfect day for us. When you come here, especially from Pakistan, the flattest pitches in the world, ask them to bat first and see what they can get. 170 was OK but we leaked a few, but we were happy to chase 180. Brilliant knock