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Rohit Sharma on being asked if England were rightly awarded the World Cup title in 2019
Copyright © 2025 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved.
Published - Jun 17, 2024, 09:23 IST | Updated - Jun 17, 2024, 09:23 IST
Updated - Jun 17, 2024, 09:23 IST
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In their last league-stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan secured a narrow victory over Ireland by 3 wickets at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida. Although the Babar Azam-led side was already out of contention for the Super 8s, they managed to restrict Ireland to 106 and chased down the target in 18.5 overs.
The foundation of Pakistan’s victory were laid by their bowlers. Shaheen Shah Afridi was instrumental, taking 3 wickets for 22 runs in his 4-over spell. His early strikes dismantled the Irish top order, reducing them to 28/5 within the powerplay. Shaheen’s ability to swing the ball both ways proved crucial in this early dominance.
Mohammad Amir complemented Afridi’s efforts with a stellar performance, claiming 2 wickets for just 11 runs in his 4 overs. His consistent pressure from the other end kept Ireland’s scoring in check. Imad Wasim was also sensational, returning with figures of 3 for 8 off his 4 overs, ensuring Ireland never recovered fully.
Ireland’s innings got off to a disastrous start due to the Pakistani left-arm speedsters’ lethal bowling. However, a resilient partnership between Gareth Delany and Mark Adair helped them reach a modest total of 106. Delany played a crucial innings, hitting three sixes, while Joshua Little added a quick 22 runs to boost the score. Despite these efforts, the early damage meant Ireland set a modest target.
Chasing 107, Pakistan aimed for a steady start but faced a dramatic middle-order collapse. They stumbled from a comfortable 52/2 to a precarious 62/6, courtesy of a disciplined bowling performance by Ireland. Barry McCarthy led the charge with 3 wickets for 15 runs in his 4 overs, while Curtis Campher chipped in with 2 wickets for 24 runs.
Captain Babar Azam played a pivotal role in stabilizing Pakistan’s innings. His unbeaten 32 off 34 balls was crucial in anchoring the chase amidst the collapse. Babar formed a vital partnership with Abbas Afridi, who contributed 17 off 21 balls, taking Pakistan closer to the finish line.
In the end, it was Babar and Shaheen Afridi (13* off 5 balls) who ensured Pakistan crossed the line, securing the win in 18.5 overs.
Ireland’s bowlers, particularly Barry McCarthy and Curtis Campher, gave Pakistan a run for their money. However, captain Paul Stirling’s decision to exhaust all his seamers early meant the leg-spinners, Gareth Delany and Ben White, bowled the final overs and struggled to contain the Pakistani batters.
Shaheen Afridi was awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance. Reflecting on the game, he said, “The wicket was supporting for the new ball, and we just tried to hit our good areas and strike early. We didn’t play good cricket which our country demands. There are few areas we need to improve quickly, with the Champions Trophy coming up. We have to improve and grow as a team.”
Despite Pakistan’s victory, their earlier defeats to USA and India meant they were out of contention for the Super 8s. This match highlighted both their potential and areas needing improvement as they look ahead to future tournaments.
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