
There was a brief slowdown after the seventh over, but in the absence of Ireland’s ability to break through, Pakistan’s position grew stronger. It was the 13th over when the game moved irrevocably out of Ireland’s hands, as Pakistan plundered 21 off Young, plunging the asking rate from 10 to 8.4. There was even time, after Zaman holed out, for a whirlwind Azam cameo of 30 off 10 balls in Pakistan vs Ireland.
The greater concern, after Pakistan failed to defend 183 in the first T20I, was another inconsistent bowling performance. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir were expensive and Pakistan were unable to contain Ireland in the Powerplay. Lorcan Tucker’s 34-ball 51 strung the first half of Ireland’s innings together, while Campher punished Shaheen through the middle overs once more. Each of the hosts’ top seven managed double figures, and all but two achieved strike rates of 150 or more, resulting in a first-innings score Pakistan’s bowlers will feel they are too good to have permitted on this surface.
In an exhilarating match, Pakistan clinched a remarkable victory against Ireland in the second T20I, leveling the series at 1-1. The turning point came with a phenomenal partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, who together amassed 140 runs off just 78 balls for the third wicket. Their brilliant batting display propelled Pakistan to chase down Ireland’s target with ease, with Fakhar smashing 78 runs off 40 balls and Rizwan remaining unbeaten on 75 runs off 46 balls. Azam Khan’s explosive contribution at the end ensured Pakistan’s triumph.
Despite a shaky start with the loss of early wickets, Pakistan’s batting lineup showcased resilience and determination. Rizwan’s impressive performance during the powerplay set the tone for the innings, while Zaman’s aggressive strokeplay added crucial runs to the scoreboard. Despite a brief slowdown, Pakistan maintained their composure and capitalized on Ireland’s inability to break through their partnership.
However, Pakistan’s bowling performance raised concerns, especially after failing to defend a total in the previous match. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir struggled to contain Ireland’s batting lineup, with both bowlers being expensive throughout the innings. Despite Shaheen picking up wickets, he was targeted by Ireland’s batsmen, particularly during the powerplay. Additionally, Mohammad Amir faced similar challenges, conceding runs in the death overs.
Graham Hume’s crucial dropped catches further highlighted Ireland’s missed opportunities, allowing Pakistan to capitalize on their mistakes and ultimately secure the win. Although Ireland put up a commendable fight, led by Lorcan Tucker’s impressive batting performance, they fell short in defending their total against Pakistan’s strong batting lineup.
Overall, the match showcased thrilling cricketing action, with both teams displaying determination and skill. Pakistan’s victory sets the stage for an exciting series decider, promising more exhilarating cricket in the upcoming match.
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RESULT
2nd T20I, Dublin, May 12, 2024, Pakistan tour of Ireland
IRE Flag
IRE
193/7
PAK Flag
PAK
(16.5/20 ov, T:194) 195/3
Pakistan won by 7 wickets (with 19 balls remaining)
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REPORT
Rizwan and Fakhar help Pakistan draw level with Ireland
They added 140 off 78 balls after Pakistan had lost two early wickets in the chase
Danyal Rasool
Danyal Rasool
12-May-2024 • 11 hrs ago
Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman punch gloves, Ireland vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I, Dublin, May 12, 2024
Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman had a partnership of 140 in 78 balls • Sportsfile via Getty Images
Pakistan 195 for 3 (Fakhar 78, Rizwan 75*) beat Ireland 193 for 7 (Tucker 51, Shaheen 3-49) by seven wickets and 19 balls remaining
For a little over half the game, Ireland held on to the hope of sealing a famous series win. But a crushing onslaught from Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, who combined for a 140-run stand off 78 balls for the third wicket, helped Pakistan win the second T20I in Dublin by seven wickets and 19 balls to spare. Fakhar smashed 78 off 40, while Rizwan was unbeaten on 75 off 46, as Azam Khan ended the match with a flurry for sixes to level the series 1-1.
Zaman joined Rizwan after the openers fell cheaply. Saim Ayub’s dry run continued, caught by a diving Curtis Campher third ball, while Babar nicked a harmless medium-pace delivery from Graham Hume in the following over to leave Pakistan 13 for 2 in a chase of 194.
But Rizwan, who has been demoted in Ayub’s favour of late, demonstrated his value in the powerplay by combining dazzling slog sweeps with judicious placement. He bore the bulk of the run-scoring load until Zaman bedded in. Zaman dispatched Craig Young over square leg in the fifth over, and aside from a pair of costly drops, Pakistan were not troubled.