DUBLIN, May 15 (TNS): Pakistan denied Ireland the dream debut victory by chasing down the 160-run target with the loss of five wickets in their one-off Test against the hosts at Malahide on Tuesday.
A top-notch 74 runs knock of opener Imamul Haq off 121 balls and middle-order batsman Babar Azam’s 59 runs innings sealed win for the Sarfaraz-led visiting side.
Fast bowler Tim Murtagh took two wickets, while Boyd Rankin and Stuart Thompson shared a wicket each.
Ireland, made to follow on, scented a dramatic victory in their debut men’s Test as they reduced Pakistan to 14 for three inside five overs.
But Imam-ul-Haq, like the whole Ireland team also making his Test debut, led a Pakistan recovery although the match was still very much in the balance.
At the start of play, Kevin O’Brien’s innings came to an end on the first ball of the day. Haris Sohail took the catch at slip after Mohammad Abbas found the edge as O’Brien was dismissed without adding anything to his overnight score of 118.
Abbas in just his sixth Test match took Boyd Rankin and Tyrone Kane’s wicket next, completing a five-wicket haul.
Ireland, making their debut in men’s Test cricket, were bowled out for 339 in their second innings after being made to follow-on.
