Pakistan beat Ireland by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 international in Dublin yesterday to set up a deciding showdown in the three-match series.
Ireland made a dynamic start after being put into bat as the hosts blasted 29 runs in the first three overs.
But Shaheen Shah Afridi put the brakes on Ireland’s assault, dismissing opening pair Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie in the fourth over.
Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector (32) put on 62 for the third wicket, with the former scoring 51 in 34 deliveries.
Curtis Campher (22) and George Dockrell (15) boosted the score before Gareth Delany’s 28 off 10 balls helped the hosts post 193 for seven.
Pakistan spluttered at the start of their chase as Saim Ayub was caught in the first over and skipper Babar Azam nicked Graham Hume behind to depart for a duck in the second.
But Ireland’s hopes of sealing a famous series win with a game to spare were dashed as Mohamed Rizwan (75 not out) and Fakhar Zaman (78) put on a stunning 140-run partnership.
Quickfire knock by AzamAzam Khan added 30 (four 6s) from 10 balls to take Pakistan home with 3.1 overs unused.
Ireland had claimed their first ever T20 victory against Pakistan in the series opener on Friday, winning by five wickets with one ball to spare.
Rizwan, the Player of the Match, said yesterday: “They played really well against us. (on batting with Fakhar) It was not an easy chase because the Ireland bowlers knew their conditions better, they gave us difficult time early on, but we decided that chasing 194, we have to attack. You’re always in pressure when you lose especially with World Cup around the corner.”
When asked about his average of 50 in T20Is, Rizwan said: “If you look at the average, you are an average player. If you look at the conditions and what game demands that will make you better. We have learned a lot of things from Virat Kohli, I respect him.”
Babar, the Pakistan captain, said yesterday: “I’m relieved, credit to all batters. After bowling, we decided to chase before 18th over. We lost a few wickets early on but we kept the momentum going. It was a good decision (to bowl) because it was overcast and there was a bit of rain. Bowling in second half was good but the way Ireland played last three overs, all credit to them.”
Babar added: “Fakhar is very experienced and played according to situation which demanded positive intent. It’s a good side, we got positives in this match and will look to give 100% in the next match. Very excited to (see Pakistan fans), it was jam-packed, enjoyed the vibe and hope families will come to support us in the next match.”
Paul Stirling, the Ireland captain, said yesterday: “Catches cost us a little bit, but that’s how it goes. Important to take those early opportunities. I’m pretty happy with the energy, don’t think there is any major cause of concern (on fielding). Certainly it’s a fair result, they thoroughly deserved the win today as we did in the last game.”
Pakistan will also face Ireland in the group stage of next month’s T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.
BRIEF SCORESPakistan 195 for 3 (Fakhar 78, Rizwan 75*) beat Ireland 193 for 7 (Tucker 51, Shaheen 3-49) by 7 wickets and 19 balls remaining