IRE vs PAK: Fakhar Zaman-Mohammad Rizwan's blitzkrieg sinks Ireland by 7 wickets as Pakistan avenge 1st T20I loss to level series

Pakistan bounced back in style, thrashing Ireland by seven wickets in the second T20I to level the three-match series at 1-1 on May 12. Chasing a modest target, the Men in Green cruised to victory in the 17th over, thanks to blistering knocks from Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman. With this Pakistan also avenged their first T20I loss against Ireland.

Rizwan and Fakhar Smash Records

Pakistan's chase got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of Saim Ayub and skipper Babar Azam. However, the experienced Mohammad Rizwan (75* off 46 balls) and Fakhar Zaman (78 off 40 balls) stitched together a record-breaking partnership. Their 140-run stand for the third wicket is now Pakistan's highest in T20I history, surpassing the previous record of 105 set by Rizwan and Haider Ali.

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Both batsmen displayed aggressive intent, with Rizwan hitting six fours and six sixes, while Fakhar unleashed his power with an equal number of boundaries. With the foundation laid by Rizwan and Fakhar, wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan provided a quickfire cameo, smashing 30 runs off just 10 balls. His knock included a four and four sixes, ensuring a comfortable victory for Pakistan.

Ireland set record total to only go down to Pakistan

Batting first after losing the toss, Ireland put up a strong showing, posting their highest ever total at the Clontarf Cricket Club – a commendable 193/7.

Pakistan opted to field first and got off to a promising start with pace bowler Shaheen Afridi grabbing the early wickets of Paul Stirling (16) and Andy Balbirnie (11). However, Harry Tector (51 off 34 balls) and Lorcan Tucker (32 off 28 balls) steadied the Irish innings with a crucial 62-run partnership.

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Late Innings Explode for Ireland

The middle and lower order capitalized on the platform set by Tector and Tucker. Curtis Campher provided a quickfire 22 off just 13 balls, while Gareth Delany remained unbeaten on a blistering 28 off 10 deliveries, propelling Ireland to their record score. Shaheen Afridi finished as the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with three wickets, but his spell was slightly expensive (49 runs conceded). Mohammad Amir, making his series debut, picked up one wicket for 44 runs. Abbas Afridi and Naseem Shah chipped in with two and one wickets respectively, conceding 33 and 36 runs each. With the series leveled at 1-1 after Pakistan's dominant win in the second T20I, all eyes turn to the decider at the same venue on April 14th. Both teams will be aiming to clinch the series victory.

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