IRE vs PAK: Pakistan get a reality check before T20 World Cup as Ireland stun Babar Azam's brigade for the first time in T20Is

In a historic upset, Ireland pulled off a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series held at Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin on Friday, May 10. This win marks a significant milestone for Ireland, as it's their first ever T20I victory against Pakistan. Previously, the two sides had only met once in the shortest format in 2009, with Pakistan claiming victory on that occasion.

Batting first Pakistan posted a total of 182/6 riding on Babar Azam's 57 and Saim Ayub's 45. In reply, Andrew Balbirnie played a crucial knock of 77 off 55 to help Ireland chase down the challenging target with one  ball to spare.

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Andrew Balbirnie steals the show

Pakistan started brightly while defending their score of 182 runs. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi struck early wickets within the first five overs, putting Ireland on the back foot. However, the Irish batsmen showed remarkable resilience.

Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector steadied the innings with a crucial 77-run partnership, pulling Ireland back into contention. Tector departed after scoring 36 runs, but Balbirnie remained a rock, anchoring the chase.

The turning point arrived with the arrival of George Dockrell. His explosive knock of 24 runs from just 12 balls, including four boundaries, injected much-needed momentum into the Irish innings.

Shaheen Afridi did manage two wickets for Pakistan, while Abbas Afridi, Imad Wasim, and Naseem Shah picked up one each. Shaheen provided a glimmer of hope when he dismissed Balbirnie, but Gareth Delany (10 runs off 6 balls) and Curtis Campher (15 runs off 7 balls) ensured a comfortable victory for Ireland.

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Babar Azam's effort in vain

Earlier, Pakistan had set a target of 183 runs after batting first. Captain Babar Azam led the way with a well-composed 57 runs off 43 balls, while Saim Ayub provided a quickfire 45 runs off 29 balls. Iftikhar Ahmed also played a valuable cameo at the death, scoring an unbeaten 37 runs off just 15 balls.

Babar and Saim provided stability at the top of the order with an 85-run partnership. Pakistan, however, stumbled in the middle overs, losing four wickets for 31 runs. Iftikhar rescued them with his late-innings power-hitting, while Shaheen Afridi's unbeaten 13 runs off 7 balls provided some late flourish.

This victory marks a historic moment for Ireland as it is their first-ever win against Pakistan in T20Is.

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