NEW DELHI: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam scored an unbeaten 31 off 34 balls, while star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered magnificent bowling figures of 3 for 22, leading Pakistan to a three-wicket victory against Ireland in their final game at the T20 World Cup.
Despite the win, Pakistan, already eliminated from the tournament, finished third in their group, while Ireland ended at the bottom with just one point from their washed-out game against the USA.
Pakistan's World Cup campaign began on a disappointing note, losing their opening match to the United States in a Super Over. The USA clinched the win, handing Pakistan a significant setback.
In their second match against India, Pakistan bowled out Rohit Sharma's team for 119 but failed to chase the target, scoring only 113 for 7 in 20 overs and losing by 6 runs.
Pakistan kept their hopes alive with a seven-wicket victory against Canada in their third match. However, a washout between the USA and Ireland led to Pakistan's elimination from the tournament.
After Pakistan's win against Ireland on Sunday at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, Afridi commented, "The team has to improve."
"Wicket was supporting the new ball, we just tried to hit our good areas and strike early. Our plans were a success. My idea is to bowl fuller, we were trying to hit our areas. We didn't play good cricket which our country demands. There are few areas we need to improve quickly, the Champions Trophy is coming," Afridi, who was adjudged Man of the Match, said.
"We have to improve and we'll have to grow as a team. Crowd - they always come and support us, thank you everyone for the support. It's tough times but they always come and support us, that's what we need as a team. That's my job, I come late (to bat) in the innings, I just hit. The team needed it. Always trying to hit sixes," he said.
