Pakistan concluded their T20 World Cup campaign on a high note with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Ireland in their final Group A match on Sunday. Despite both teams being already eliminated from the tournament, the match provided an exciting finish as captain Babar Azam led his side to a nervy chase.
Winning the toss and opting to field first, Pakistan’s bowlers made an immediate impact. Shaheen Afridi dismantled Ireland’s top order, claiming figures of 3 for 22, including the crucial wickets of Andrew Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker in the very first over. Mohammad Amir, contributing with 2 for 11, dismissed skipper Paul Stirling and George Dockrell, leaving Ireland struggling at 28 for 5 by the sixth over.
Despite a brief resistance from the Irish lower order, Ireland managed to set a modest target, which Pakistan approached cautiously. However, the chase was not without its tense moments. The Irish bowlers capitalized on early wickets, putting pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup. Captain Babar Azam’s steady innings anchored the chase, ensuring his team crossed the finish line with three wickets to spare.
With this win, Pakistan finished third in the five-team Group A, accumulating four points but missing out on the Super Eight stage due to earlier losses against India and the United States. India and the United States advanced from the group, showcasing strong performances throughout the tournament.
Ireland, ending their campaign without a win and finishing at the bottom of the group with one point, showed glimpses of potential but were unable to secure a victory in the tournament.
The match, though a dead rubber in terms of tournament progression, highlighted the competitive spirit and talent present in both teams, promising exciting prospects for future international fixtures.
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Pakistan end T20 World Cup campaign with three-wicket win over Ireland
cgtn.com
