Pakistan achieves success in drama full historic test against Ireland
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DUBLIN: Pakistan chased 160 runs target with the loss of five wickets in their one-off Test against Ireland at Malahide on Tuesday.
A top-notch knock of opener Imamul Haq and middle-order batsman Babar Azam sealed win for the Sarfaraz-led visiting side.
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.
Fourth-day innings
Ireland started the day on their highly creditable overnight 64 without loss.
But they lost four wickets in Monday's first session, with left-arm quick Mohammad Amir — who had both openers dropped during a brief spell on Sunday before going off with a knee problem — enjoying a burst of two wickets for no runs in six balls.
It was a heartening sign for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming two-Test series in England that will feature back-to-back fixtures at Lord's (May 24-28) and Headingley (June 1-5).
Amir, however, repeatedly limped around the field on Monday when he was not bowling.
Ireland resumed with veteran opener Ed Joyce, arguably their greatest batsman of all time, 39 not out and captain William Porterfield unbeaten on 23. At that stage they were still 116 runs behind.
The last thing Ireland needed was to gift Pakistan a wicket via a runout and yet that is exactly how an opening stand eventually worth 69 runs ended when Joyce set off for a needlessly tight single before failing to beat Faheem Ashraf's direct hit from midwicket.
The 39-year-old left-hander was out for 43, including six well-struck fours.
