Victory for Pakistan in low-scoring opener
Pakistan dragged their feet across a laboured seven-wicket win over Ireland in Saturday's rain-affected first ODI in Stormont.
Pakistan dragged their feet across a laboured seven-wicket win over Ireland in Saturday's rain-affected first ODI in Stormont.
Having skittled the Irish for 96 all out across 20 overs in a clash reduced to 31 overs per side by over three hours of showers in Belfast, the tourists took all of 27.3 overs to successfully chase down their target.
With victory all but assured by a 73-run opening stand between Mohammad Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar, the duo promptly fell in quick succession for 52 and 23 respectively.
At 82 for two, Pakistan's middle order had some marginal work to do, but Asad Shafiq failed to oblige and instead handed seamer Alex Cusack (three for 13) his third scalp of the day.
The old guard of Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq were left to go through the motions of the truncated match's closing throes, finishing on six not out and four not out respectively.
Earlier the hosts cobbled together a dismal effort with the bat.
Paul Stirling's standalone 39 at the top of the knock was as good as it got for Ireland, with just him and two other batsmen reaching double figures.
Fast bowler Junaid Khan took his cue to bag Man of the Match figures of four for 12, which included the key scalp of danger man Kevin O'Brien, while Saeed Ajmal romped through the tail with three for 13.
The second and final ODI gets underway at the same venue on Monday.
Latest
-
Test cricketGlenn Maxwell upbeat on Australia Test recall chances with Asian tours looming
Maxwell keeps red-ball hopes alive.
-
The AshesMarnus Labuschagne not fazed by Australia captaincy snub focused on batting
Labuschagne is an emerging leader but wants to focus on his batting.
-
-
Test cricketVirat Kohli seeks ‘absolute clarity’ about Test tour of South Africa
Will it or won’t it?
-
The AshesChris Woakes wants racism and sexting scandals left out of Ashes sledging
The build-up to the first Test has been overshadowed by racism and sexism scandals.
-
The AshesAlex Carey replaces Tim Paine in Australia’s squad for first two Ashes Tests
Maiden Test awaits experienced ODI and T20I wicketkeeper-batsman.
-
The AshesBT Sport cut Michael Vaughan from Ashes coverage
Vaughan has denied allegations of racism during his time with Yorkshire.
-
The AshesBBC expect to work again with Michael Vaughan despite Ashes omission
Vaughan has denied allegations of racism during his time with Yorkshire.
-
Test cricketShaheen Afridi breaks into top five in latest world rankings
Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has moved into the top five on the Test bowling rankings for the first time in his career.
-
The AshesBen Stokes ‘fit and hungry for a big series’ ahead of first Ashes Test
The all-rounder was added to England’s squad to face Australia in October after recovering from a fractured finger.