Pakistan vs Ireland, T20 World Cup 2024: Shaheen and Babar Lead Pakistan’s Nervy Three-Wicket Victory Over Ireland
Pakistan vs Ireland: In a thrilling encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan emerged victorious over Ireland by three wickets, thanks to stellar performances from Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam. The match, held at the Adelaide Oval, saw fluctuating fortunes for both teams, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Ireland Sets a Challenging Target
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Ireland aimed to capitalize on the favorable batting conditions. Their openers, Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie, started cautiously against Pakistan’s formidable pace attack. However, Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s ace fast bowler, quickly broke through, dismissing Stirling with a sharp inswinger that clattered into the stumps.
Despite early setbacks, Balbirnie and Harry Tector steadied the ship, forming a crucial partnership. Tector was the aggressor, smashing boundaries and taking on the Pakistani bowlers. Balbirnie played a more measured innings, anchoring the side. Ireland reached a respectable total of 160 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, with Tector top-scoring with a blistering 62 off 35 balls. Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan, finishing with figures of 3 for 27.
Pakistan’s Rocky Chase
Chasing 161, Pakistan’s innings began with a mix of caution and aggression. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam opened the innings, facing disciplined bowling from Ireland. Zaman fell early, caught at mid-off trying to accelerate, but Babar remained composed, showcasing his elegant stroke play.
Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar at the crease, and the duo put on a 50-run partnership. However, Ireland’s bowlers struck back, with Curtis Campher and Mark Adair picking up quick wickets to put Pakistan under pressure. The middle order wobbled as Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, slipping to 110 for 5 in the 15th over.
Babar Azam’s Masterclass
Amid the turmoil, Babar Azam stood tall, displaying his class and temperament. He expertly maneuvered the ball into gaps and rotated the strike, keeping the scoreboard ticking. With wickets falling around him, Babar took on the responsibility of steering Pakistan towards the target.
The turning point came in the 18th over when Babar launched a counter-attack, hitting two crucial boundaries off Josh Little. His calculated aggression reduced the required run rate, and with Shaheen Afridi providing support at the other end, Pakistan edged closer to victory.
Shaheen Afridi’s Heroics
With 10 runs needed off the final over, the match was finely poised. Shaheen Afridi, known for his bowling prowess, showcased his batting skills under immense pressure. He hit a boundary off the first ball, calming the nerves in the Pakistani camp. A couple of singles followed, and with three runs needed off two balls, Shaheen struck a lofted drive over mid-off, sealing a nerve-wracking win for Pakistan.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s three-wicket victory over Ireland was a testament to the resilience and skill of their key players. Babar Azam’s unbeaten 78 off 55 balls was a masterclass in pacing a chase, while Shaheen Afridi’s all-round performance, including his crucial wickets and match-winning boundary, highlighted his importance to the team.
Ireland, despite the loss, earned plaudits for their spirited performance, pushing a formidable Pakistan side to the brink. This match will be remembered as one of the thrilling encounters of the T20 World Cup 2024, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of T20 cricket.