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In a thrilling conclusion to the Pakistan Tour of Ireland 2024, the Men in Green secured a convincing six-wicket victory over the hosts in the third and final T20I. The comprehensive win highlighted Pakistan’s dominance in both batting and bowling as the bagged the series 2-1.
Lorcan Tucker sizzles with the bat for Ireland
Ireland’s innings was anchored by an impressive performance from Lorcan Tucker, who scored a rapid 73 runs off 41 balls. Tucker’s innings was marked by aggressive stroke play, including 13 fours and a six, providing a crucial backbone to Ireland’s total. Andy Balbirnie supported with a steady 35 off 26 b✃alls, hitting 2 fours and 3 sixes, helping Ireland build a competitive score.
Harry Tector also contributed with a brisk 30 off 20 balls, including 2 fours and a six, adding vital runs in the middle order. However, Ireland struggled to maintain partnerships as wickets fell at regular ꦰintervals, with several batters unable to capitalize on their starts. The l🐼ower order could not provide the late acceleration needed, and Ireland finished at 178/7 in their 20 overs.
Shaheen Afridi impresses with splendid bowling
Pakistan’s decision to bowl first paid off as their bowlers executed their plans effectively. Shaheen Afridi led the attack with an outstanding spell, taking 3 wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs. His ability to strike early and contain runs put Ireland on the back foot from the start. Abbas Afridi supported him well, claiming 2 wic🌺kets for 43 runs, though he was more expensive.
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan take Pakistan home
In pursuit of 179, Pakistan’s batting was spearheaded by a superb innings from captain Babar Azam, who scored 75 runs off 42 balls. Babar’s knock included 6 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing his class and composure under pressure. He was ably supported by Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a composed 56 off 38 balls, with 4 fours and 3 sixes, anchoring the innings alongside his captain. The duo’s partnership laid a solid foundation for the chase. Azam Khan’s quickfire 18 off 6 balls provided the final thrust needed to secure the victory.
Despite losing a few wickets, Pakistan’s batting lineup displayed depth and resilience, reaching the target with three overs to spare, finishing at 181/4 in 17 overs. The calculated aggression and effective strike rotation were key factors in their successful run chase.
Mark Adair was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in his four overs, including the crucial scalps of key Pakistani batsmen. His disciplined bowling gave Ireland hope of defending their total. Despite Adair’s efforts, the overall lack of control and penetration in the bowling attack meant that Pakistan chased down the target comfortably in 17 overs.
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Here is how Twitter reacted:
Congratulations to the Pakistan C🍸ricket team for winning the series against Ireland! With teamwork and dedication, you have proven to be the best team in the world. Best of luck, boys, for the England series and the World Cup! 🇵🇰
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42)
Pakistan win the final T20ꦰI by six wickets ✅ and boss the chase with a stellar batting display 👏 |
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB)
Shaheen Afridi said "Both Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan are world class players. They knowജ their job well and they have won us so many matches" 🇵🇰🔥🔥
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)
Babar Azam & Mohammaꦍd Rizwan share their first 100 run partnership in T20s since November 2022
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz)
Mohammad Rizwan & Babar Azam becomes first batting pair to complete 3𝔉000 partnership runs and s🍒core 10 century partnerships.
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89)
ꦇA 139-run partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan sees Pakistan to a comfortable win in the 3rd T20I. 🔥🔥
The visitors Clinch the series 2-1! 🏆🐼 || || ||
— Babar Azam World (@Babarazam958)
Babar Az𒅌am and Rizwan showing how good they’re together ✤🙌🤩🥺
— King Babar Azam Army (@kingbabararmy)
Another milestone by this pair. Mohammad Rizwan & Babar Azam becomes first batting pair to amass 3000 partnership runs and score 10 century partnerships.
This is 17th time Babar was involved in a 100 partnership in T20Is – the most by anyone.
Rizwan's 13th involvement in 100…— Sheraxii Tweets (@i_mAfridi7)
4 sixes in an over by BABAR AZAM
— Mary Marouf (@Cricket_istic)
Under Babar Azam’s captaincy
– We have won another series 🥵 |
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_)
Here you go ❤️❤️
— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian)
