T20 World Cup: Babar & Afridi lead Pakistan to three-wicket victory over Ireland

Lauderhill, June 17: In a thrilling conclusion to their T20 World Cup campaign, Pakistan secured a nerve-wracking three-wicket victory over Ireland in a Group A match, thanks to crucial contributions from Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.

Pakistan's bowlers initially dominated the game, with Shaheen Afridi delivering a masterclass in swing bowling, dismantling Ireland's top order. Afridi ended an eight-match streak without a first-over wicket by clean bowling Andrew Balbirnie and getting Lorcan Tucker to edge one to Mohammad Rizwan. His early breakthroughs left Ireland struggling at 32 for 6, with Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf also chipping in with wickets.

Ireland, however, mounted a gritty resistance through Gareth Delany and Mark Adair, who formed a 44-run partnership off 30 balls, attacking Shadab Khan and Abbas Afridi. Imad Wasim, likely playing his final game for Pakistan, cleaned up the lower order with exceptional figures of 3 for 8 in four overs. Despite a determined cameo from Josh Little, who scored 22, Ireland posted a fighting total of 106.

Pakistan's chase seemed straightforward with Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam making steady progress. By the eighth over, Pakistan appeared to be cruising, but a middle-over collapse saw Curtis Campher and Barry McCarthy take four wickets for just 10 runs, leaving Babar with a long tail to navigate.

In a precarious balance, Abbas Afridi scored a crucial 17, reducing the target to 12 runs. With Josh Little's injury forcing Ireland to rely on spin, Shaheen Afridi capitalized by hitting two sixes to secure the win for Pakistan.

Despite Ireland's commendable fightback led by Delany and Adair, Pakistan's victory was more a relief than a celebration, highlighting both their strengths and vulnerabilities. Babar's steady hand and Shaheen's late heroics ensured Pakistan finished their campaign on a high note.

Brief Scores:

Ireland: 106 for 9 in 20 overs (Gareth Delany 31, Josh Little 22; Imad Wasim 3-8, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-22)

Pakistan: 111 for 7 in 18.5 overs (Babar Azam 32 not out, Saim Ayub 17; Barry McCarthy 3-15, Curtis Campher 2-24) by three wickets.