Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign ended on a slightly brighter note with a three-wicket consolation win over Ireland in their last Group A match in Florida on Sunday, June 16. After restricting Ireland to a modest 106 runs for 9 wickets, Pakistan rode on Babar Azam's sedate knock of 32 off 34 to chase down the target comfortably in 18.5 overs. While the win did little to change their overall fate in the tournament, it did showcase the strength of their bowling attack.
Spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi's impressive 3/22, Pakistan's pace bowlers ran riot through the Irish batting order. Mohammad Amir (2/11) and Haris Rauf (1/17) perfectly complemented Afridi, dismantling Ireland's top order and reducing them to a precarious 32 for 6 within the powerplay. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim then came in and slammed the door shut on any Irish fightback, claiming 3 wickets for just 8 runs. Ireland, restricted to a paltry 106 all out, never quite recovered from this early onslaught.
Babar Azam helps Pakistan recover from early jolts
Babar Azam anchored the chase for Pakistan, guiding them home in 18.5 overs despite early jolts. Despite needing just 107 runs to win and having already been eliminated from T20 World Cup, Pakistan's chase against Ireland turned into a tense affair. The pitch, offering spongy bounce, aided the Irish pacers, particularly Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, and Curtis Campher, who rattled Pakistan's top order early, reducing them to a precarious 52 for 3. Things got even trickier when McCarthy dismissed both Usman Khan and Shadab Khan in quick succession during the 10th over, halting any momentum Pakistan was building. Captain Babar Azam, however, showed composure, holding the innings together as wickets fell around him. He remained unbeaten on 32 off 34 balls, guiding Pakistan towards victory. The winning runs ultimately came from the bat of Shaheen Afridi, who smashed two sixes in the penultimate over to seal a narrow win despite the earlier scare.
Pakistan's bowling break Ireland's back
Ireland's batting crumbled early under the relentless pressure of Pakistan's pace attack. Gareth Delany (31 off 19 balls) emerged as a lone warrior, smashing three sixes and a four to offer some resistance. Contributions from Mark Adair (15) and George Dockrell (11) provided some support, but it was the unbeaten 22 from number 10 batsman Joshua Little that ultimately pushed Ireland past the meager 100-run mark.
This fightback, however, came after a disastrous start. Afridi and Amir tore through Ireland's top order within the first two overs, turning their batting hopes into a nightmare. Afridi struck twice in his opening spell, dismissing both openers – Andrew Balbirnie (0) and Lorcan Tucker (2) – for ducks. Amir then compounded the misery by having skipper Paul Stirling (1) caught behind the wicket, leaving Ireland in a precarious position at 4 for 3.
A glimmer of hope emerged for Ireland with Harry Tector, but his resistance was short-lived. Afridi found his edge with a fuller delivery, trapping him LBW and leaving Ireland reeling at 15 for 4 after just 3 overs.
George Dockrell tried to revive the innings with a couple of boundaries, but Amir's cunning slower ball proved too deceptive. Dockrell was caught and bowled, leaving half the Irish side back in the pavilion within the powerplay.
Curtis Campher's attempt to break the shackles backfired as he miscued a pull shot off Rauf, finding Saim Ayub safe in the deep.
Gareth Delany, however, refused to give up. He smashed a six each off Rauf and Shadab Khan, propelling Ireland past the 50-run mark. Just as Ireland started to build a mini-partnership, Imad Wasim's introduction proved decisive. His delivery with a hint of bounce and spin induced an edge from Delany, breaking the 44-run stand and leaving Ireland vulnerable at 76 for 7. Imad continued his impressive spell, adding another wicket to his tally as Adair's dismissal further compounded Ireland's woes.
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