Pakistan vs Ireland Archives

Ireland to tour Pakistan next year in August for Test series

The Ireland men’s cricket team will tour Pakistan next year in August-September to play a Test series, confirmed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Ireland was originally scheduled to tour Pakistan for three ODIs and as many T20Is in September and October of 2025.

However, as per the PCB, the European side will now tour Pakistan in August-September next year and will instead play a Test series.

The confirmation regarding Ireland’s tour to Pakistan came after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Cricket Ireland Chairman Brian MacNeice in Dublin on Sunday.

MacNeice warmly welcomed the PCB chairman and thanked him for visiting the country. Chairman Cricket Ireland also presented Mohsin Naqvi with a souvenir shirt and cap of the Irish team.

The discussion regarding organizing a series between the women’s cricket teams of both nations also took place in the high-profile meeting.

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Cricket Ireland Chairman MacNeice also welcomed Pakistan as the hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“Hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan was a welcome decision. Pakistan had always provided excellent security for international tournaments,” PCB quoted MacNeice.

In response, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi appreciated Cricket Ireland for making excellent arrangements for the Pakistan team’s ongoing tour of Ireland, adding that the Pakistan team received a lot of support during their tour of Ireland.

Naqvi further vowed that foolproof arrangements would be made for all the participating teams in the Champions Trophy 2025.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan and Ireland are currently competing in a three-match series, levelled at 1-1 with a game to spare, in a build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The two sides will also lock horns in the mega event on June 16 at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill.

READ: Fakhar Zaman says “Pakistan needed wake-up call” before T20 World Cup

Fakhar Zaman says “Pakistan needed wake-up call” before T20 World Cup

DUBLIN: Pakistan’s left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman asserted that the national team needed a wake-up call ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA in June.

Fakhar, in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Digital, asserted that the shock loss in the first T20I against Ireland fuelled every player with determination to give their best in the next fixture.

He further acknowledged the need to carry the same momentum heading into the T20 World Cup.

“We needed a wake-up call considering the way we lost the first game. So it was in the back of our minds while we were playing the second game and that is why everyone was giving their best,” Fakhar said.

“We hope to carry the same momentum till the World Cup,” he added.

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Set to chase 194 in the second T20I, Pakistan had a shaky start as they lost young opener Saim Ayub (6) and skipper Babar Azam (0) with just 13 runs on the board inside the first two overs.

Following the slump, Fakhar Zaman joined Mohammad Rizwan at the crease and the duo turned the tide in Pakistan’s favour with a marathon 140-run partnership.

Fakhar remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a blistering 78 off 40 balls, featuring six fours and six sixes while Mohammad Rizwan made an unbeaten 75 off off 46 balls with the help of six fours and four sixes, which earned him the Player of the Match award.

“Our plan was to counter attack despite losing two wickets early. There is pressure when you lose early wickets, but since we have planned to play attacking cricket, it releases all pressure,” Fakhar told PCB Digital.

“Our plan was to chase the score before the 18th over,” he concluded.

READ: Hayley Matthews crowned ICC Women’s Player of the Month for April 2024

Shahid Afridi lauds Pakistan batters’ strike rates in second Ireland T20I

Former captain Shahid Afridi appreciated Pakistan batters for their high strike rates during the second T20I against Ireland on Sunday.

Pakistan registered a solid seven-wicket victory over Ireland Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin and levelled the three-match series 1-1.

Afridi took to his official X account and appreciated Pakistan’s performance, especially Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman’s batting approach.

“We needed this win. Well done team, especially the way Rizwan and Fakhar played. We need the same mindset in the World Cup and similar strike-rates for most batsmen,” Afridi posted.

The former all-rounder also praised Shaheen Afridi for his landmark achievement of completing 300 international wickets.

“Congrats to Shaheen on 300 international wickets, well done,” he added.

We needed this win. Well done team, sp the way Rizwan and Fakhar played. We need the same mindset in the World Cup and similar strike rates for most batsmen. Congrats to Shaheen on 300 intl wickets, well done #PakvsIre

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 13, 2024

Notably, Pakistan opted to bowl first in the second T20I and Afridi removed both openers in the fourth over to reduce Ireland to 34-2.

However, Lorcan Tucker played brilliant innings of 51 runs from 34 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, while Gareth Delany scored a quick 28 off 10 to propel Ireland to 193 in their allocated 20 overs.

Pakistan successfully chased the 194-run target with 19 balls to spare, courtesy of Mohammad Rizwan and Fakkhar Zaman’s half-centuries.

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They constructed a 140-run partnership in 78 balls to tilt the game in Pakistan’s favour after Saim Ayub (6) and Babar Azam (0) fell early.

Rizwan scored an unbeaten 75 off 46, featuring six boundaries and four sixes, while Zaman was dismissed after scoring 78 runs from 40 balls.

Azam Khan was another notable contributor with an unbeaten 30 off 10 with four sixes. He hit Mark Adair for three sixes in the 17th over to finish the match in style.

The third and decisive T20I between Pakistan and Ireland will be played on 14 May (tomorrow).

READ: PCB chairman presents special jerseys to Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi

Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan guide Pakistan to victory over Ireland

DUBLIN: Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman scored half-centuries, followed by Azam Khan’s blistering cameo helped Pakistan defeat Ireland by seven wickets in the second T20I of the three-match series here on Sunday.

Pakistan successfully chased the 194-run target with 19 balls to spare and levelled the series 1-1.

The Greenshirts had an unwanted start to the chase as they lost Saim Ayub (6) and Babar Azam (0) in 1.4 overs with only 14 runs on the board.

Rizwan and Zaman then led the chase for Pakistan as they helped stabilize the innings after two early wickets.

They charged against Irish bowlers and constructed a 140-run partnership in 78 balls to tilt the game in Pakistan’s favour.

However, Ben White broke the stand with the wicket of Zaman, who scored 78 runs from 40 balls with the help of four boundaries and four sixes.

Azam Khan joined Rizwan at the crease, with 41 required from 33 balls, but the former ensured that Pakistan finished the match with 19 balls to spare.

Khan scored an unbeaten 30 off 10 with four sixes. He hit Mark Adair for three sixes in the 17th over to finish the match in style. Meanwhile, Rizwan scored an unbeaten 75 off 46, featuring six boundaries and four sixes.

For Ireland, Adair, White and Graham Hume picked one wicket each.

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Earlier, Pakistan opted to bowl first and reduced Ireland to 34-2 inside four overs, with Shaheen Afridi removing both opening batters in the same over.

Tucker and Harry Tector then joined hands to construct a 62-run stand before Abbas Afridi halted their progress as he dismissed the latter.

Tector scored an anchoring 32 off 28 with the help of four boundaries.

Tucker was then joined by Curtis Campher (22) and they raised a quick 41-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Abbas Afridi ended Tucker’s brilliant innings of 51 runs from 34 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes.

Delany then scored a quick 28 off 10 balls with the help of five boundaries, including two sixes, to propel Ireland to 193 in their allocated 20 overs.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi claimed three wickets, and Abbas Afridi managed two wickets.

READ: AB de Villiers extends best wishes to retiring James Anderson

Pakistan win toss, elect to bowl first against Ireland in second T20I

DUBLIN: Pakistan have won the toss and elected to field first against Ireland in the second T20I of the three-match series here on Sunday.

PLAYING XIs

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Bilbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ben White, Craig Young

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Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches 2, Pakistan 1, Ireland 1

READ: AB de Villiers extends best wishes to retiring James Anderson

Pakistan vs Ireland: Toss delayed due to rain in Dublin

DUBLIN: The toss of the second T20I between Pakistan and Ireland has been delayed due to rain here on Sunday.

Ireland are currently leading the three-match series after handing Pakistan a shocking five-wicket loss in the first T20I at Castle Avenue on Friday.

Put into bat first, Pakistan accumulated 182/5 in the allotted 20 overs, courtesy of Babar Azam’s anchoring half-century, followed by Iftikhar Ahmed’s late onslaught.

Babar remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 43-ball 57, followed by young opener Saim Ayub, who scored 45. Whereas, Iftikhar bolstered the team total with an unbeaten cameo of 37.

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Set to chase 183, Ireland amassed the total for the loss of five wickets and a ball to spare, at the back of a strong third-wicket partnership between Harry Tector and Balbirnie.

Balbirnie and Tector knitted an anchoring 77-run partnership for the third wicket to recover Ireland from a dismal start as Paul Stirling (8) and Lorcan Tucker (4) perished cheaply.

Tector perished in the 13th over after scoring 36 off 27 deliveries while Balbirnie carried his bat all the way through to the 19th over to put Ireland in touching distance.

He top-scored for Ireland with 77 off 55 deliveries, peppered with 10 boundaries and two sixes.

READ: AB de Villiers extends best wishes to retiring James Anderson

Ramiz Raja warns ‘USA might give tough time to Pakistan’ in T20 World Cup

Former Pakistani captain and renowned commentator Ramiz Raja has warned that the United States of America (USA) could pose a challenge to the national team during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Raja expressed thoughts in a video on his official YouTube channel after Pakistan suffered a shocking loss against Ireland in the first T20I of the three-match series.

The former captain questioned Pakistan’s performance in the match against Ireland and their preparation for the T20 World Cup, scheduled in the USA and West Indies.

“You can’t defend losing against Ireland. The body language looks weak, you have made combinations that have affected the team,” Ramiz Raja said.

“The team was doing well, but the captaincy was changed and then the new captain was replaced with the previous one. In a World Cup year, the team has fallen to seventh position in the T20I rankings and this shows the actual condition of the team,” he added.

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He further raised concerns over Pakistan’s chances to win the World Cup, citing the team’s recent performances.

“How will Pakistan win the World Cup, you don’t have a combination, the opening pair is not set, the set batters lose their wickets and the middle order doesn’t function well. In the current situation, how will Pakistan go to the semi-finals?” Raja questioned.

The former PCB chairman also warned that co-hosts USA, who are set to play their first-ever T20 World Cup, might prove to be a difficult opposition for Pakistan due to the presence of expats from India and Pakistan in their squad.

“I think the USA might give tough time to Pakistan because they also have some expats from India and Pakistan playing for them,” he added.

Notably, Pakistan will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on 6 June in Dallas.

READ: Pakistan women’s team to depart for Northampton today

Iftikhar Ahmed ‘hopeful’ for Pakistan comeback in Ireland T20Is

DUBLIN: All-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed pinned his hopes on Pakistan to stage a comeback in the ongoing three-match series against Ireland after succumbing to a shock loss in the series opener at Clontarf Cricket Club here on Friday.

In a video statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Iftikhar Ahmed acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in fielding, adding that they did not play at their full potential.

“When I came runs were needed and I played my natural game. The way our team is we didn’t perform to that level. We lacked in fielding, we dropped a catch and gave away a couple of boundaries as well,” stated Iftikhar.

“This is part of the game and we are hopeful that we will make a comeback in the series with two games remaining,” he added.

He then went on to express his confidence in the team’s ability to force a turnaround in the ongoing series against Ireland and win the England series to attain confidence before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

“With the quality our team has, we can make a comeback against Ireland. We will try to win our next series against England and take confidence into the upcoming T20 World Cup,” Iftikhar concluded.

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For the unversed, Iftikhar Ahmed played a brief yet effective cameo against Ireland and bolstered Pakistan’s total at the backend.

The right-handed batter smashed three fours and as many sixes on his way to an unbeaten 37 off just 15 deliveries.

His blazing knock powered Pakistan to a competitive total of 182/5 but the touring side yet ended up on the losing side as Ireland chased down the target with a ball to spare, at the back of Andy Balbirnie’s half-century.

Pakistan and Ireland next face each other in the second T20I of the three-match series at the same venue on Sunday.

READ: Paul Stirling’s remarks about Pakistan go viral after Ireland’s historic win

Paul Stirling’s remarks about Pakistan go viral after Ireland’s historic win

DUBLIN: Ireland’s T20I captain Paul Stirling took a dig at Pakistan cricket following his team’s historic victory in the first T20I of the three-match series at Clontarf Cricket Club here on Friday.

Speaking after the match, Stirling commented on his decision to Pakistan into bat after winning the coin toss and asserted that the touring nation have the ‘flattest pitches’ in the world.

“We are absolutely delighted. We wanted to start the summer off well and it was almost a perfect day for us. When you come here, especially from Pakistan, the flattest pitches in the world, ask them to bat first and see what they can get. We were happy to chase 180,” stated Stirling.

He further lauded opening batter Andy Balbirnie for his match-winning half-century, which earned him the Player of the Match award.

“Brilliant knock from Balbirnie, he got through the powerplay and picked up the pace later. It was a fantastic knock. We have had great games here especially against Pakistan. Absolutely delighted to get over the line,” Stirling said.

Put into bat first, Pakistan accumulated 182/5 in the allotted 20 overs, courtesy of Babar Azam’s anchoring half-century, followed by Iftikhar Ahmed’s late onslaught.

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Babar remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 43-ball 57, followed by young opener Saim Ayub, who scored 45. Whereas, Iftikhar bolstered the team total with an unbeaten cameo of 37.

Set to chase 183, Ireland amassed the total for the loss of five wickets and a ball to spare, at the back of a strong third-wicket partnership between Harry Tector and Balbirnie.

Balbirnie and Tector knitted an anchoring 77-run partnership for the third wicket to recover Ireland from a dismal start as Paul Stirling (8) and Lorcan Tucker (4) perished cheaply.

Tector perished in the 13th over after scoring 36 off 27 deliveries while Balbirnie carried his bat all the way through to the 19th over to put Ireland in touching distance.

He top-scored for Ireland with 77 off 55 deliveries, peppered with 10 boundaries and two sixes.

Pakistan and Ireland next face each other in the second T20I of the three-match series at the same venue on Sunday.

READ: Babar Azam reveals reasons behind Pakistan’s shock Ireland defeat

Babar Azam reveals reasons behind Pakistan’s shock Ireland defeat

DUBLIN: Pakistan captain Babar Azam opened up on Pakistan’s shock defeat against Ireland in the first T20I of the three-match series here on Friday.

Pakistan succumbed to their first-ever defeat against Ireland in T20Is. The two sides had faced each other only once before in the format during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 where the eventual champions emerged victorious.

Meanwhile, Babar, while talking at the post-match presentation asserted that the lack of execution in fielding and bowling cost the team the match while asserting that the touring side was also some runs short.

“We didn’t start well in the first 6 overs; the pitch was a bit two-paced and had some bounce. We recovered well after that and got 182 but I think 190 was a par score,” stated Babar.

“But I think we lost due to the bowling and fielding. We didn’t execute our plans and had some sloppy lapses in the field which cost us,” he added.

Put into bat first, Pakistan accumulated 182/5 in the allotted 20 overs, courtesy of Babar Azam’s anchoring half-century, followed by Iftikhar Ahmed’s late onslaught.

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Babar remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 43-ball 57, followed by young opener Saim Ayub, who scored 45. Whereas, Iftikhar bolstered the team total with an unbeaten cameo of 37.

Set to chase 183, Ireland amassed the total for the loss of five wickets and a ball to spare, at the back of a strong third-wicket partnership between Harry Tector and Balbirnie.

Balbirnie and Tector knitted an anchoring 77-run partnership for the third wicket to recover Ireland from a dismal start.

Tector perished in the 13th over after scoring 36 off 27 deliveries while Balbirnie carried his bat all the way through to the 19th over to put Ireland in touching distance.

He top-scored for Ireland with 77 off 55 deliveries, peppered with 10 boundaries and two sixes.

Pakistan and Ireland next face each other in the second T20I of the three-match series at the same venue on Sunday.

READ: James Anderson announces retirement from Test cricket