Result: Match Tied

Toss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat.

Teams:

Pakistan: Imran Farhat, Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq*, Kamran Akmal†, Shoaib Malik, Ehsan Adil, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Irfan 

Ireland: WTS Porterfield*, PR Stirling, EC Joyce, KJ O'Brien, GC Wilson†, NJ O'Brien, AR Cusack, AR White, DT Johnston, GH Dockrell, TJ Murtagh 


Pakistan Innings

Mohammad Hafeez was the star of the Pakistani batting effort as he recorded an unbeaten 122 off 113 balls. Pakistan have tinkered with their batting line-up after Mohammad Hafeez' struggles as opener, and the pivotal number three position proved to be a fruitful decision. Dav Whatmore had indicated that Hafeez is likely to occupy the one-down position in the Champions Trophy, and the runs today will have alleviated any doubts going in to the tournament. 

It was not a one-man effort however, as Hafeez was ably supported by Asad Shafiq, who made 84 from 89 balls. 

Pakistan had decided to open with left-handers Nasir Jamshed and Imran Farhat and they would not have been thanking Misbah-ul-Haq as he opted to bat on on a cold day in Dublin. Both players struggled early on against the Ireland opening bowlers Trent Johnston and Tim Murtagh, with both finding some movement with the new ball on a fresh pitch. Nasir Jamshed retired hurt on 15 and Imran Farhat edged behind for a scratchy 9 off 34 balls. 

However, the partnership of Hafeez and Shafiq ensured Pakistan posted a challenging total. 


Fall Of Wickets

1-33 (Imran Farhat, 12.3 ov), 
2-221 (Asad Shafiq, 42.3 ov), 
3-231 (Nasir Jamshed, 44.3 ov), 
4-231 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 44.4 ov), 
5-261 (Kamran Akmal, 46.4 ov) 


Ireland Innings

With gloomy skies and rain in the air, Ireland batted with the intent of staying ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis. It was PR Stirling who played the equivalent of the Hafeez knock, with a brilliant 103 off 107 balls. The first wicket fell with 62 on the board, Porterfield clipping Hafeez to the fielder. Ed Joyce was the next to go, for 32, having ably supported Sterling, who continued to pepper the boundaries with some strong drives. However, he was the next to go, caught by the substitute fielder Umar Amin going for a big short against Mohammad Irfan. Kevin O'Brien came to the crease with Ireland needing over 8 an over, and went about his task with focus and a great degree of skill, taking Ireland to the penultimate over needing 15 to win against Pakistan's star spinner Saeed Ajmal. He lofted the fourth ball to the boundary over long on for six, and after two off the next delvery, left Ireland needing a four off the final ball for a tie. 

After a lengthy debate, Ajmal bowled the final ball, which was flicked backward of square leg for four to secure a tie and cue Ireland celebrations. 


Fall Of Wickets

1-62 (Porterfield, 12.5 ov), 
2-158 (Joyce, 32.5 ov), 
3-171 (Stirling, 35.2 ov), 
4-230 (Wilson, 41.4 ov), 
5-240 (NJ O'Brien, 43.1 ov)

Match Summary:

The Pakistani batsmen had provided the bowlers with a sizeable target to defend, but a lethargic effort in the field and some confident Irish batting prevented them registering the victory.

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