In a thrilling T20 encounter against Pakistan, Ireland secured?? a memorable victory in the first match of the 3-match T20I series, sparking celebrations among cricket fans across the nation. The match, held on what was described as one of the flattest pitches in the world, witnessed an exhilarating battle between bat and ball.

Paul Stirling shares his reaction after the victory

Speaking after the match, an elated Irish captain, Paul Stirling expressed his delight at the team’s performance, emphasising the significance of the win against a formidable opponent like Pakistan. He credited the team’s collective effort, acknowledging the challenges posed by the conditions but commending the players for their resilience and determination.

The v?ictory marked a significant moment for Ireland cricket, reaffirming their potential on the international stage and igniting hopes for future success. As fans revel in the euphoria of this memorable triumph, attention now turns to the next challenges that lie ahead for both teams in the dynamic world? of T20 cricket.

“We are absolutely delighted, perfect start to the summer and a brilliant day this for us. When you come here, against Pakistan, flattest pitch in the world, and we were happy with 180. At one stage, we thought we could restrict them to 170, but we were delighted to chase 180 on that track,” said Stirling after the match.

Also WATCH: IRE vs PAK: Harry Tector hits the bulls?eye to run out M??ohammad Rizwan in the first T20I

Ireland gets the better of Pakistan

Pakistan, after being asked to bat first, posted a competitive total of 182/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with Babar Azam leading the charge with a well-compiled 57, supported by Saim Ayub‘s impressive 45. However, Ireland’s bowlers, particularly Craig Young, made crucial breakthroughs, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs to keep Pakistan’s total within reach.

Facing a challenging target, Ireland batters displayed grit and determination from the outset. Andrew Balbirnie led from the front with a commanding knock of 77 runs, setting the tone for the chase. Supported by Harry Tector‘s valuable contribution of 36 runs, Ireland steadily pursued the target. Despite some resistance from Pakistan’s bowlers, notably Abbas Afridi, who picked up 2 wickets for 36 runs, Ireland held their nerve. In a nail-biting finish, they managed to achieve victory with just one ball to spare, reaching 183/5 in 19.?5 overs.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Andrew Balbirnie guides Irel??and to thrilling win over Pakistan in the first T20I

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Paul Stirling (142??) and Andrew Balbirnie (113) smashed game-changing tons to script a memorable seven-wicket victory for Ireland over the current ODI World Champions, England, in Southampton on Tuesday (Au??gust 04).

In chase of a target of 329 – almost same score Ireland had chased down during the 2011 World Cup – the visitors managed to build a 214-run stand between skipper Balbirnie and Stirling in the final game of the three-match ODI series.

This also marks the highest run chase accomplished by a visiting team in a one day international against the Three Lions in England, overtaking India’s NatWest Trophy final triumph back in 2002.

Highest successful chase vs England in England:

• 329 by Ireland, Rose Bowl in 2020
• 326 by India, Lord’s in 2002
• 322 by Sri Lanka, Leed in 2006
• 317 by India, The Oval in 2007

Highest target chased by Ireland

• 329 v England, Rose Bowl 2020
• 328 v England, Bengaluru 2011
• 307 v Netherlands, Kolkata 2011
• 305 v West Indies, Nelson 2015

Stirling was run out for 142 in the 42nd over and Balbirnie holed out for 113 with 50 still required off 33 deliveries, but Kevin O’Brien – the hero of Irish win in Bangalore nine years ago – fittingly secured a victory for his side on the penultimate ball. The visitors grabbed 10 crucial points in the ICC World Cup Super League with this memorable win over England.

Defeat in the final over 😕

Congrats @IrelandCricket 👏

Scorecard/clips: //t.co/iWz8HBGPG6 pic.twitter.com/J2yZRCgH7i

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 4, 2020

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, England had stuttered to 44-3 but Eoin Morgan’s 106 from 84 balls was the cornerstone of 328 all out in 49.5 overs, the captain sha?ring a ??146-run stand with Tom Banton (58).

???England won the series 2-1 but Balbirnie took pride in the fact his team can now boast victories over the world champions in two limited-overs formats, having toppled the West Indies in a T20I in January this year.

“We’ve beaten the T20 world champions in their own backyards and we’ve beaten the ODI champions,” Balbirnie said after the match.

“It’s a huge win for us and this group. For the young guys to be involved in this series but to also be involved in a win like that is special and one we’ll remember forever.”

“Hopefully we’ve given the kids and the young generation a bit of a boost and something to strive towards,” he added.

Brief scores:

England 328 in 49.5 overs (Eoin Morgan 106, Tom Banton 58; Craig Young 3-53) lost to Ireland 329/3 in 49.5 overs (Paul Stirling 142, Andrew Balbirnie 113) by seven wickets.

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