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Andrew Balbirnie, file photo. ©INPHO

Ireland lose by three wickets to Pakistan in T20 World Cup in Florida

The Irish were left struggling at 32-6 in the seventh over.

LAST UPDATE | 16 Jun

SHAHEEN SHAH AFRIDI took three wickets and then hit two sixes to win the game as Pakistan ended a disappointing T20 World Cup with a three-wicket win over Ireland today.

Ireland recovered from a poor start to make 106-9 with Gareth Delany making 31 off 19 balls and although Pakistan wobbled, captain Babar Azam’s 32 off 34 balls steadied the ship and avoided another defeat.

Pakistan’s shock defeat to the USA and loss to India meant they were already eliminated from second round contention before Sunday’s final Group A game in Florida.

Ireland had been struggling at 32-6 in the seventh over. Left-arm seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi did the bulk of the damage picking up three early wickets as Ireland’s top order was ripped apart.

Ireland, who have not been able to practice for the past week due to wet facilities, were in deep trouble at 32-6 with seamer Mohammad Amir also picking up two wickets on a surface that was offering plenty for the quick bowlers.

But Gareth Delany provided some much needed resistance for the Irish, blasting three sixes as he made 31 from 19 balls.

Delany’s entertaining knock — and a 44 run partnership with Mark Adair — came to an end when Imad Wasim’s slow left-arm spin found the edge and Shabad Khan ran in from point to make the catch.

Adair tried to keep the momentum going but he departed for 15 when he slogged Imad to long on and Afridi held on to the catch despite Usman Khan colliding with him.

All-rounder Imad picked up his third wicket bowling Barry McCarthy but Josh Little provided some valuable lower order runs with his unbeaten 22 taking Ireland to three figures.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam had won the toss and chose to bowl.

Both teams have already been eliminated from the tournament with India and the USA taking the top two group spots and places in the Super Eights stage.

While nothing was at stake in the contest, in terms of qualification, bottom-placed Ireland were seeking their first win of the competition while Pakistan were be keen to finish above Canada in third place.

– © AFP 2024

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