Pakistan Levels T20I Series Against Ireland Thanks to Rizwan and Fakhar

Fakhar and Rizwan 's 140 runs partnership in 78 balls help Pakistan team to win the match vs Ire. © Twitter (@VoPublic)

Pakistan and Ireland are locked at 1-1 in the T20I series after a thrilling encounter in Dublin. Chasing a target of 194, Pakistan rode on a magnificent century stand from Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman to secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory with 19 balls remaining.

Earlier, after Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl, Ireland got off to a flying start. Lorcan Tucker (51 off 34 balls) anchored the innings, while Curtis Campher (32 off 28 balls) continued his good form against Shaheen Afridi. Despite early wickets for Afridi (3/49), Ireland managed to put up a competitive total thanks to contributions from most of their batters. Each of the top seven reached double figures, with all but two scoring at a strike rate of over 150. Pakistan’s bowlers, especially the pace duo of Afridi and Mohammad Amir (1/44), leaked runs in the powerplay and death overs, leaving them with a slightly above-par total to defend.

After a brisk start, Pakistan spinners – Imad Wasim and part-timer Saim Ayub – applied the brakes on the Irish scoring rate. They restricted the flow of runs in the middle overs, bringing Pakistan back into the contest.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost both openers cheaply. However, Mohammad Rizwan (75* off 46 balls), along with Fakhar Zaman (78 off 40 balls), stitched together a match-winning partnership of 140 runs off just 78 balls. Rizwan, who was dropped twice early in his innings by Graham Hume, played a composed knock, mixing aggression with sensible shot selection. Zaman, on the other hand, was brutal, taking the Irish bowlers to the cleaners. The partnership completely shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favor, leaving Ireland with no way back into the game. A late cameo from Azam Khan (30* off 10 balls) ensured a comfortable victory for the visitors.

With both teams winning a 1-1 game, the series decider promises to be a cracker. Pakistan will aim to maintain their winning streak, while Ireland will be aiming to create a major upset by clinching the series on home soil. The Player of the Match award deservedly went to Mohammad Rizwan for his match-winning knock.

Match Summary

Toss: Pak won the toss and decided to bowl 

Stadium: Clontarf Cricket Club

Result: Pak won by 7 wickets & 19 balls left

Player of the Match: Mohammad Rizwan – 75* (46)