Pakistan Outclass Ireland to Seal T20I Series Win

Shaheen, Babar, and Rizwan Shine in Dublin

In a thrilling T20I series decider, Pakistan triumphed over Ireland with a comprehensive six-wicket victory in Dublin, securing a 2-1 series win. The match witnessed a standout performance from Shaheen Shah Afridi, coupled with swift half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, ensuring Pakistan’s dominance.

Ireland’s Competitive Total Falls Short

Ireland, led by a remarkable 41-ball 73 from stand-in captain Lorcan Tucker, posted a competitive 178. Despite the valiant effort, the total proved insufficient against a resolute Pakistani side. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan dismantled Ireland’s bowling attack, making the chase seem effortless. Ireland’s lacklustre bowling and fielding further compounded their woes, rendering the result almost inevitable long before the final runs were scored.

Lorcan Tucker remarked, “We fought hard, but their quality showed through.”

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Redemption

After Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bowl, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir delivered a disciplined opening spell, starkly contrasting their performance from the previous game. Shaheen, in particular, was imperious, claiming his first wicket within the initial three overs. Although Hasan Ali conceded 16 runs in his first over, Andy Balbirnie and Tucker rapidly built momentum, forming an 85-run partnership off 49 deliveries. This set Ireland up for a formidable total, but Shaheen’s brilliance curtailed their ambitions.

Shaheen’s spell was a masterclass in precision, conceding only 14 runs and taking three wickets. His exceptional use of yorkers disrupted Ireland’s rhythm, leading to their collapse. Tucker’s dismissal to Imad Wasim marked the turning point, as Ireland managed only 49 runs in the last seven overs, conceding the initiative to Pakistan.

Rizwan and Babar’s Commanding Chase

Despite the early loss of Saim Ayub, who continued his poor run with a top-edged shot to short third man, Pakistan’s chase was never in jeopardy. Rizwan and Babar, thriving in such scenarios, steered the innings with contrasting styles. Rizwan’s aggression during the powerplay complemented Babar’s measured approach. Once the fielding restrictions were lifted, their roles reversed, with Babar capitalizing on a missed chance by George Dockrell.

Babar Azam noted, “We wanted to ensure a solid partnership after Saim’s early dismissal, and it worked out perfectly.”

Babar’s commanding 42-ball 75, peppered with powerful hits, including a remarkable 25-run over off Ben White, underscored his prowess. Despite a late flurry of wickets, Pakistan comfortably reached the target with three overs to spare.

Shaheen’s Stellar Performance

Shaheen Shah Afridi, rebounding from a lacklustre second game, delivered a spell of extraordinary accuracy and pace. Although Andy Balbirnie managed two boundaries in Shaheen’s first over, he tightened his grip on the match with his subsequent deliveries. His ability to consistently hit yorkers and extract inswing proved too much for the Irish batsmen.

Shaheen’s dismissal of Ross Adair with a devastating inswinging yorker epitomized his skill. His final two overs stifled Ireland’s scoring, effectively halting their momentum. This performance signals a potential return to his world-class form.

Babar’s Power-Hitting Prowess

Babar Azam, often criticized for his conservative batting, showcased his power-hitting abilities during a surreal 14th over against Ben White. Smashing three sixes in quick succession, Babar narrowly missed hitting six sixes in the over, compensating with a fourth six down the ground. This blitz significantly boosted his strike rate, highlighting his versatility.

Babar reflected, “I wanted to accelerate at that point, and thankfully it worked out.”

Dockrell’s dropped catch earlier in Babar’s innings proved costly for Ireland, as Babar went on to strike as many sixes as the rest of his team combined, leading Pakistan’s charge.

Tucker’s Lone Battle

Lorcan Tucker, stepping in as captain for the rested Paul Stirling, led from the front with an aggressive approach. His rapid scoring, especially targeting a rusty Hasan Ali, kept Ireland in contention during the early stages. Tucker’s half-century in the second game and his continued form in the decider were commendable.

Tucker commented, “Taking on the captaincy was a challenge, but I’m proud of how we fought.”

Balbirnie’s acceleration alongside Tucker ensured Pakistan’s bowlers remained under pressure. Tucker’s aggressive play against Saim Ayub and his critical takedown of Hasan Ali highlighted his tactical acumen. However, Ireland’s collapse following Tucker’s dismissal underscored their reliance on his batting, revealing a gap in class among the team.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s series win over Ireland showcased their resilience and tactical superiority. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s impeccable bowling, along with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s batting masterclass, highlighted their dominance. Despite Lorcan Tucker’s gallant efforts, Ireland fell short, reflecting the difference in quality between the two sides. This series serves as a testament to Pakistan’s growing prowess in T20 cricket.