Ireland vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I at Dublin, IRE vs PAK, May 12 2024 - Match Result

Ireland posted a competitive total, but Pakistan were determined for a comeback. Despite losing a few early wickets, their approach was refreshing. Ireland struggled to take wickets consistently, and costly drops from Hume haunted them. Fakhar Zaman was typically severe on the bowlers and led the chase, while Mohammad Rizwan found boundaries with his characteristic methods. As the innings progressed, Ireland's bowlers found it difficult to contain the batters. Azam Khan got into his groove and the situation was tailor-made for his style of game. While there were many positives for Pakistan, they'll need to improve their bowling performance. Ireland could have pushed the match to the wire if they had avoided fielding lapses. Despite some questions about Rizwan's strike rate, he showcased his importance to Pakistan with fantastic acceleration once he got settled. With the right batting partners, Rizwan can be relied upon to soak up pressure and remember he has scored heaps of runs. That is all we have from you from this match. Do join us for the final on Tuesday, which promises to be a fascinating contest. This is Rvel Zahid, signing off.

Babar Azam, Pakistan Captain: I'm relieved, credit to all batters. After bowling, we decided to chase before 18th over. We lost a few wickets early on but we kept the momentum going. It was a good decision (to bowl) because it was overcast and there was a bit of rain. Bowling in second half was good but the way Ireland played last three overs, all credit to them. Fakhar is very experienced and played according to situation which demanded positive intent. It's a good side, we got positives in this match and will look to give 100% in the next match. Very excited to (see Pakistan fans), it was jam-packed, enjoyed the vibe and hope families will come to support us in the next match.

Paul Stirling, Ireland Captain: Catches cost us a little bit, but that's how it goes. Important to take those early opportunities. I'm pretty happy with the energy, don't think there is any major cause of concern (on fielding). Certainly it's a fair result, they thoroughly deserved the win today as we did in the last game.

Mohammad Rizwan, Player of the Match: They played really well against us. (on batting with Fakhar) It was not an easy chase because the Ireland bowlers knew their conditions better, they gave us difficult time early on, but we decided that chasing 194, we have to attack. You're always in pressure when you lose especially with World Cup around the corner. (On average of 50) If you look at the average, you are an average player. If you look at the conditions and what game demands that will make you better. We have learned a lot of things from Virat Kohli, I respect him...

Jawad: "Lots of positives from this match for both the teams. Now the final would be interesting "

Ammar: "@ShahSafeer totally disagree. In the semi-final against Australia. We had them 5 down and the bowled terribly to lose the match. Just last series against NZ-C, Shaheen and Nassem got smacked by Mark Chapman. There is enough criticism of our batting. People don't talk about our poor bowling enough. "

AadilShahzad: "The people are talking here but Azam Khan got his bat talking. "

nabeel: "Surprisingly this is the highest score for Azam khan. Achievement unlocked. "

rameez: "i know my comment won't be published - but apart from all our errors the biggest reason we choke is the captaincy . Babar is a classy batsman but he is just not cut for t 20 captaincy. "

AHP: "@shahsafeer I get it but why all the blame on Rizwan and Babar it's like when they win your matches it's called team performance but when the whole team does not perform the whole blame is put on both of them. It's called a team given for a reason!!!"

Owais M: "C'mon Rvel you gotta stop with the acting, Azam has failed in like 20 consecutive International innings. Hitting 3 sixes after ages is not worthy of the praise you're heaping on him"

Zubair Islam : "Live Coverage of match on TV is the worst I have seen in my life.....in 1970s it was black n white but much better. I am now following it on Cricinfo, much better "

GormintAunty: "Hume was a God sent today.- Got Babar out early.- Dropped catches of Rizwan and Fakhar to help them.- Helped Azam get past his HS score."

MAB: "Look what Azam can do to opposition bowling. Don't underestimate his experience playing in Caribbean. He can be very very useful."

ShahSafeer: "@Usama grow up bro, batters have helped Pakistan to sink in some massive games in recent years. SF against Aus, final against SL in Asia Cup, Final against Eng are some instances where batters, precisely Rizwan and Babar, let the whole nation down, not to forget which dept was the culprit against Zim. Bowlers have won more games than batters, they need to score in the access of 200 and that's then way to go in this format "

Umar: "Rvel, No disrespect to azams batting talent but don't u think he's a weak link behind the stumps too?" Quite naturally we cannot expect the kind of agility that Rizwan brings to the table but other than that I think Azam is good with the gloves as well

Asifabbasi95: "Rvel zahid o don't know who you are but you are doing a fantastic job appreciated " Thanks!

Saad: "Rizzi should be your first choice WK and bring in Usman instead of Azam Khan. That makes a much balanced side that we have rn." No disrespect to Azam Khan but he could be a weak-link in the outfield if he's not keeping

Usama: "People always blame Pakistani batters But issue is their bowling which is failing again and again from last 4 years"