Dublin (Web Desk): Ireland defeated Pakistan by five wickets in in the opener of the three-match series at the Clontarf Cricket Club, Dublin, on Friday.
Ireland won the toss and decided to bowl first against Pakistan.
Batting first, Pakistan scored 182 runs in stipulated 20 overs for the loss of 6 wickets.
Ireland achieved the target in 19.5 overs for the loss of 5 wickets.
For Pakistan Babaz Azam made highest 57 scores for 43 balls while Saim Ayub made 45.
Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 20 runs, Azam Khan and Shadab Khan returned to the pavilion for zero while Mohammad Rizwan scored one run Ifitkhar Ahmed Afridi remain not out at 37 from 15 balls. Craig Young dismissed 2 players for Ireland.
From Ireland side, Andy Balbrini played a responsible innings of 77 runs, the innings included 2 sixes and 10 fours.
Ireland's first two wickets fell early but then openers Andy Balbrini and Harry Tector built a good partnership to pave the way for the team's success.
Following the inaugural game, the other two matches of the series will also be played in Dublin on May 12 and 14.
Ireland has defeated Pakistan for the first time in a T20I. The two teams played against each other once at the oval in 2009 and Pakistan won the match by 39 runs.
The ongoing series is expected to provide both the teams an opportunity to put final touches to their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies and USA next month.
Both teams are in the same group for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and will face each other in Florida on 16 June.
Apart from the two sides, India, USA, and Canada are also in the same group, with the top two teams advancing to the second stage.