In a nail-biting encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan emerged victorious over Ireland by 3 wickets in Match 36 held at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground. The match, characterized by exceptional bowling performances from both sides, saw Pakistan chase down Ireland’s modest total of 106/9 in 18.5 overs.

Ireland’s struggles with the bat

Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bowl first, a decision that quickly paid dividends. Ireland’s innings never gained momentum, with top-order batsmen failing to contribute significantly. Andy Balbirnie (0), Paul Stirling (1), Lorcan Tucker (2), and Harry Tector (0) fell cheaply, leaving Ireland reeling at 8/4. Gareth Delany‘s quickfire 31 off 19 balls, including one four and three sixes, provided some resistance. Lower-order contributions from Josh Little (22 off 18) and Mark Adair (15 off 19) helped Ireland reach a total of 106/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Pakistan’s bowlers shine

Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Shaheen Afridi, who claimed three crucial wickets for 22 runs in his four overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. Imad Wasim was equally effective, taking three wickets for just 8 runs in his four overs. Mohammad Amir chipped in with two wickets for 11 runs, while Haris Rauf managed one wicket for 17 runs. The disciplined bowling performance kept the Irish batsmen in check throughout their innings.

Chasing a modest target

In pursuit of a modest target, Pakistan’s innings also faced early jitters. Mohammad Rizwan (17 off 16) and Saim Ayub (17 off 17) provided a steady start, but the middle order struggled to build on it. Babar Azam‘s 32 off 34 balls anchored the innings, while contributions from Shaheen (13 off 5) and Abbas Afridi (17 off 21) proved crucial in the latter stages. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Pakistan managed to reach the target, scoring 111/7 in 18.5 overs.

Ireland’s valiant effort with the ball

Ireland’s bowlers put up a commendable fight defending their low total. Barry McCarthy was the standout performer, taking three wickets for 15 runs in his four overs. Curtis Campher contributed with two wickets for 24 runs, while Mark Adair and Ben White each claimed a wicket. Despite their efforts, the bowlers could not prevent Pakistan from inching past the finish line.

Also WATCH: Shaheen Afridi cleans up Andrew Balbirnie with a beauty in PAK vs IRE game | T20 World Cup 2024

Here is how fans reacted:

Pakistan clinch a three-wicket win over Ireland in their final game of the tournament 🏏#PAKvIRE | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/bftcrHeg76

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 16, 2024

Pakistan won by 3 wickets. A hard-faught win but a win nonetheless. #PAKvsIRE#IREvsPAK https://t.co/gqFgS1cDu3

— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) June 16, 2024

Never short of drama when you are watching Pakistan…….

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 16, 2024

Remarkable that Babar Azam has played 3 T20 World Cups without hitting a six in the Powerplay (off 207 balls). Last year, Pakistan took more than 1000 balls to hit a six in the Powerplay in ODIs. Wonder if Pakistan can compete in the modern day cricket with this intent.

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 16, 2024

You can say what you want about him, but Babar Azam has saved Pakistan today from further embarrassment #T20WorldCup #PAKvIRE

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 16, 2024

Shaheen Afridi bags the Player of the Match award 👏#ShaheenAfridi #cricket #PAKvIRE #T20WorldCup2024 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Rzfu73NnJU

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 16, 2024

Pakistan needed 11 runs from 11 balls then Shaheen smashed 6,1,6 to finish the game. 👏 pic.twitter.com/YooSzdaKXV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 16, 2024

Pak fans to Babar and co right now 😅 #PAKvIRE #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/KCE0TD6SEb

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 16, 2024

Ireland gave it a fine try but Pakistan come out on top with a 3 wicket win! #T20WorldCup

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 16, 2024

https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1802407926126285268

Also WATCH: PAK vs IRE – Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan crash into each other while attempting to catch Mark Adair’s hit | T20 World Cup

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