Pakistan delivered a thrilling comeback victory against Ireland in their final match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, held in Lauderhill on Sunday, June 16. In a game marked by nail-biting tension, Pakistani bowlers showcased exceptional skill by confining the Irish squad to a meager 106 total. The spirited efforts of the bowlers set the stage for skipper Babar Azam, who played a crucial and daring innings to guide Pakistan to a narrow win with just three wickets and seven balls to spare.
While the match held little significance for the tournament’s progression due to both teams already being out of the Super 8 qualification race, it provided a platform for them to salvage some pride with a consolation win. The contest was influenced by rain-hit conditions at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, complicating matters for the batsmen from both sides. Under such challenging circumstances, the fast bowlers excelled, making life difficult for the opposing batsmen and ensuring a gripping low-scoring game for the fans, marking the last T20 World Cup match on American soil.
Pakistan’s journey in the tournament came to an end after their previous match against the USA was washed out due to rain on Friday, rendering them unable to progress beyond the first round. It was an unprecedented early exit for the team, which concluded its campaign with a mixed bag of two wins and two defeats from four matches.
For Ireland, the agony continued as their campaign wrapped up with yet another heart-wrenching loss. Paul Stirling’s men returned home without a single victory in four outings, a result that underscored their struggles throughout the competition.
When Ireland opted to bat first, they faced an immediate setback against Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack. Shaheen Afridi delivered a stellar first over, dismissing key batsmen Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker. The Irish side was pushed onto the back foot and struggled to recover, grappling with a long uphill battle. Gareth Delany emerged as the top-scorer for Ireland with a resilient 31 runs off 19 balls, ensuring the team surpassed the 100-run mark. Contributions from Joshua Little, batting at no.10, were also crucial as his unbeaten 22 off 18 balls provided some semblance of resistance.
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Pakistan’s bowling figures were impressive, with Shaheen Afridi and Imad Wasim each taking three wickets and Mohammad Amir chipping in with one, emphasizing their dominance with the ball.
The ensuing chase by Pakistan was far from straightforward. Opening batsmen Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan managed an initial partnership of 23 runs before Ireland’s bowlers struck back. During the powerplay, Pakistan lost both openers, putting early pressure on the middle order. Barry McCarthy led the Irish bowling attack with precision, claiming critical wickets in the middle overs. His contributions saw Pakistan teeter from 52/2 to a precarious 62/6 in a matter of moments, turning the tide dramatically.
Despite the setbacks, Babar Azam exhibited composure and determination, steering the innings with a pivotal 33-run partnership alongside Imad Wasim for the sixth wicket. Babar’s unbeaten 32 off 34 balls was a measured and vital knock that held Pakistan’s innings together. The finishing touches came from Shaheen Afridi, who struck two towering sixes in the 19th over, sealing a much-needed victory.
The line-ups for both teams reflected their strategic choices for this consequential fixture. Ireland’s squad featured Paul Stirling as captain, with notable players such as Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, and Gareth Delany. For Pakistan, the team was led by Babar Azam and included key players like Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf.
As the T20 World Cup 2024 bids farewell to the USA, the thrilling encounters and dramatic finishes have left a lasting impression on fans. For Pakistan, the victory provided some solace, highlighting their resilience and the fighting spirit of their players despite an overall disappointing campaign. Ireland will reflect on their performance, aiming to rectify their shortcomings in future tournaments.
In the broader context, the tournament’s stint in the USA showcased the global reach of cricket, bringing the excitement of the game to new audiences and setting the stage for future international events.
