NEW DELHI: Pakistan bounced back from their defeat in the series opener against Ireland to secure a seven-wicket victory in the second Twenty20 international in Dublin on Sunday, setting up a thrilling decider in the three-match series.
Opting to bat first, Ireland got off to a dynamic start, scoring 29 runs in the first three overs. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi's quick strikes in the fourth over, dismissing Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie, slowed down Ireland's momentum.
Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector built a solid partnership of 62 runs for the third wicket, with Tucker scoring a brisk 51 off 34 deliveries.
Contributions from Curtis Campher and George Dockrell further boosted Ireland's total, as Gareth Delany's late onslaught helped them post a challenging 193 for seven.
In response, Pakistan faced early setbacks with the dismissals of Saim Ayub and skipper Babar Azam in the first two overs.
However, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman turned the tide with a sensational 140-run partnership. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 75, while Zaman contributed 78 runs to guide Pakistan towards victory.
Azam Khan's quickfire 30 off 10 balls ensured Pakistan reached their target with 3.1 overs to spare, sealing the win and leveling the series.
Ireland's hopes of clinching a series win were dashed by Pakistan's strong batting display, setting the stage for an exciting final match.
The series result also sets the stage for an anticipated encounter between Pakistan and Ireland in the group stage of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.
(With AFP inputs)
