PAK vs IRE 1st T20I: Award Winners, Man of The Match, Post-Match Presentation, Scorecard & Records

PAK vs IRE 1st T20I: PAK vs IRE 1st T20I Highlights: Ireland stunned Pakistan with a 5-wicket win in the first T20I at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin on Friday, May 10. Ireland chased down a 183-run target with a ball to spare.

This is Ireland's first win over Pakistan since March 2007. They defeated Pakistan in the World Cup 2007 match at Kingston. Notably, Ireland and Pakistan in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024. The group also features India, USA and Canada.

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Pakistan, who had to settle for a draw against second-string New Zealand side in a 5-match T20I series last month, were extremely sluggish on the field and lacked the spark of a top team. Shadab Khan conceded 54 runs in four overs without taking any wicket.

Andrew Balbirnie starred for Ireland with the bat, scoring 77 runs off 55 balls. Geroge Dockrell (24 off 12), Harry Tector (36 off 27), Gareth Delany (10* off 6), and Curtis Campher (15* off 7) chipped in with handy contributions.

Earlier, Pakistan were asked to bat first after Ireland captain Paul Stirling won the toss. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 57 off 43. Opener Saim Ayub scored 45 off 29, but the likes of Azam Khan (0), Shadab Khan (0), and Fakhar Zaman (20) failed to get going. Iftikhar Ahmed's 15-ball cameo for 37 runs consisted of three fours and as many sixes.

PAK vs IRE 1st T20I: Full List of Awards

Man of the Match: Andre Balbirnie for scoring 77 runs off 55 balls (10 fours and 2 sixes)

PAK vs IRE 1st T20I: Who Said What?

Babar Azam (Pakistan captain): "I think we started no good, in the first 6 overs, the pitch is two-paced. But we recovered very well, 190 is a par score and we lost in the bowling and fielding. We did not execute our plans, few sloppy fielding, had we taken that catch... That's why they win because they attack us. [on if they will practice tomorrow] Let's see, let's talk with the coach."

Paul Stirling (Ireland captain): "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. 170 was OK but we leaked a few, but we were happy to chase 180. Brilliant knock from Balbirnie, he got through the powerplay and picked up the pace later on as well. He timed it to perfection, it was a fantastic knock. We have had great games here especially against Pakistan and to get over the line today is brilliant."

Andrew Balbirnie (Man of the Match): "I did not watch the last over, went to the tent and put a towel over my head. I felt it was my job to get the team over the line. I believe Curtis played a ramp shot. To do that in a massive pressure situation was great. Harry spoke to me and said if we could bat normally till the 13th over, we could get the runs as it's a small ground and we can catch up quickly.

"That was a partnership which set it up. Yes, I was disappointed to get out on the full toss. You don't get too many of those deliveries from a bowler like Shaheen. I was hoping it would be a no-ball but it can't when it hits the stumps. My club is playing tomorrow but I will watch some cricket and take rest."