Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan stroked swashbuckling half-centuries to guide Pakistan to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Ireland in the second T20I here on Sunday.
The experienced duo rescued Pakistan from a shaky start of 13 for two in 1.4 overs in pursuit of 194 runs target by producing a highly entertaining partnership of 140 runs for the third wicket in just 78 balls, propelling the visitors to victory with 19 balls to spare.
Fakhar and Rizwan hit 12 fours and 10 sixes between them, forcing the Ireland fielders into a leather chase and spectators to take cover.
Fakhar hammered six fours and six sixes in a 40-ball 78, marking his 11th half-century in 85 matches, while player of the match Rizwan smashed six fours and four sixes in a 46-ball 75 not out, recording his 27th half-century in 95 matches.
After Fakhar departed at the score of 153 for three in 14.3 overs, Azam Khan joined the onslaught, scoring an unbeaten 30 runs off 10 balls, including one four and four sixes. Azam’s entrance came with Pakistan needing 41 runs for victory in 33 balls.
Fakhar and Rizwan accelerated their scoring rate after Pakistan reached 87 for two in 10 overs. The duo collected 14 runs in the 11th over, 13 runs in the 12th over, 21 runs in the 13th over, and 18 runs in the 15th over, which also saw the dismissal of the left-handed Fakhar.
The young Ireland bowlers had a forgettable day with Graham Hume, Ben White, and Mark Adair each picking up a wicket but at high economy rates of 10.66, 9.75 and 11.21, respectively. Craig Young was the most expensive bowler, conceding 45 runs in his three overs.
Earlier, Ireland posted their highest total of 193 for seven against Pakistan with a flurry of runs coming in the last six overs, including 21 runs in the 15th over, 12 runs in the 19th over, and 17 runs in the 20th over.
Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, and Gareth Delany led a late charge, lifting Ireland from 110 for three in 13 overs. Earlier contributions from Andy Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, and Harry Tector provided a solid foundation with 55 for two in the PowerPlay overs.
Tucker top-scored with 51 off 34 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Tector contributed a brisk 32 off 28 balls. Balbirnie’s brief stay yielded 16 runs off 14 balls.
The most significant partnership of the innings was between Tucker and Tector, who added 62 runs for the third wicket. Tucker and Campher further added 41 runs for the fourth wicket, while the unbeaten eighth-wicket stand between Delany and Graham Hume added 28 runs from just nine balls.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi stood out with figures of 3 for 49 in his four overs, including crucial breakthroughs in the death overs. Mohammad Abbas Afridi claimed two wickets for 33 runs, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir chipped in with a wicket each.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat Ireland by seven wickets
Ireland 193-7, 20 overs (Lorcan Tucker 51, Harry Tector 32, Gareth Delany 28 not out, Curtis Campher 22; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-49, Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-33)
Pakistan 195-3, 16.5 overs (Fakhar Zaman 78, Mohammad Rizwan 75 not out, Azam Khan 30 not out)
Player of the match – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
1st T20I – Ireland won by five wickets