Ireland scored 106/9 in 20 overs, where as Pakistan scored 111/7 in 18.5 overs.
So, finally Pakistan beat Ireland by 3 wickets
Led by Shaheen Afridi’s 3-22 and a crucial 13* towards the end, Pakistan secured a three-wicket win against Ireland in Florida on Sunday in their final contest of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The Babar Azam-led side struggled during their 107-run chase but overhauled the target with seven balls to spare, ending Ireland’s winless campaign.
The Difference: Powerplay
Pakistan took early control by dismissing Ireland’s top five in the first six overs.
Despite Ireland’s attempt to claw back, the early damage proved too costly.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub provided a quick start, covering nearly 40 percent of Pakistan’s runs in the same period.
Ireland’s middle-over fightback with the ball wasn’t enough to clinch a win.
At the Toss
Babar Azam won the toss and elected to field.
Pakistan included Abbas Afridi in the XI in place of Naseem Shah, while Ireland included Ben White in place of Craig Young.
IRELAND
Power play: Shaheen, Amir Rip Through Top Order
Phase score: 32/5 (RR: 5.33; 4x4s, 0x6s)
On a fresh pitch that had been under cover for two days, the left-arm duo of Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir dismissed Ireland’s top half within the powerplay.
The moving ball troubled the batters early on.
George Dockrell hit a couple of assertive drives but departed before the field restrictions were lifted.
During this period, Pakistan also used up both their reviews.
Middle Overs: Imad Strikes After Delany Counterattack
Phase score: 54/4 (RR: 6.00; 3x4s, 3x6s)
Curtis Campher departed three balls after the powerplay, but Gareth Delany and Mark Adair counterattacked, particularly Delany.
With Haris Rauf operating at a short length and Abbas Afridi struggling with his lines and slower balls, Ireland gained some momentum in the middle overs.
Shadab Khan, reintroduced to the attack, was also effectively dealt with.
However, Imad Wasim’s stump-to-stump line proved effective, dismissing Delany and Adair, with Shaheen Afridi holding onto a catch despite a collision.
Barry McCarthy was bowled soon after.
Death Overs: Little Pushes Ireland Past 100
Phase score: 20/0 (RR: 4.00; 1x4s, 0x6s)
With just one wicket left, Pakistan aimed to finish quickly, but Josh Little and Ben White added 26 runs to take Ireland to 106 for 9, taking advantage of Abbas Afridi’s continued struggles.
PAKISTAN
Power play: Rizwan, Saim Provide Quick Start
Phase score: 40/2 (RR: 6.67; 5x4s, 1x6s)
Pakistan started aggressively, with Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub attacking the bowlers early.
Both openers departed in the powerplay but gave Pakistan a strong foundation.
Middle Overs: Ireland Strike Back
Phase score: 41/4 (RR: 4.56; 4x4s, 0x6s)
Ireland regained momentum with quick wickets, with Barry McCarthy and Curtis Campher each striking twice.
Babar Azam held one end, but wickets at the other end complicated Pakistan’s chase.
Death Overs: Shaheen Completes the Chase
Phase score: 30/1 in 3.5 overs (RR: 7.83; 0x4s, 3x6s)
Abbas Afridi provided crucial support to Babar Azam as they aimed to take the game deep.
Ireland bowlers kept Babar away from the strike in the late overs.
Abbas fell in the 18th over, but Shaheen Afridi hit two massive sixes off Delany in the penultimate over to seal the win without needing the final over.
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