IRE vs PAK 1st T20I Results

5:58 PM IST Right then, Ireland registered a memorable victory at Dublin defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets in a convincing manner. They ascend 1-0 in this 3-match T20I series. Pakistan will be disappointed with their performance and will have to focus on improving their fielding and overall intensity for a strong comeback in the second T20I which will be played on Sunday, 12th May. The first ball will be bowled at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). But as always, you can join us for the pre-match build-up a lot sooner. Till then, cheers, and take care!

5:54 PM IST Andy Balbirnie wins the Player of the Match award for his incredible knock of 77 from 55 deliveries (10 fours and 2 sixes). He starts by saying that he felt that he could take his side home. Mentions that it is great to see the youngsters stepping up. States that he and Harry Tector planned to keep it simple till the 13th over and then try to up the ante. Informs that this is a great win for them as a cricketing nation.

5:53 PM IST Paul Stirling, the skipper of Ireland says they are absolutely delighted to begin the summer with a victory. On being asked about bowling first, he says that the pitch conditions are comparatively different from Pakistan's flat wickets. Credits his batters for being brave enough in the chase. Adds that Balbirnie played a stellar knock and was timing the ball well. Says that they have had good games recently and getting it over the line this time again was fantastic. Ends up by saying they will practice after a day off and will look to maintain the momentum in the next game.

5:53 PM IST Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan is in for a chat. Babar Azam explains how he felt their start wasn't that good. Adds that the pitch was quick, and maybe 190 would've been a better score. States that they lost the game in bowling and fielding. A few mishaps let the game slip away from them.

5:40 PM IST The presentation ceremony...

5:37 PM IST Earlier in the game, Ireland decided to put Pakistan in to bat first. Pakistan didn't have the best start, losing Mohammad Rizwan early. However, after a slow start, both Saim Ayub and captain Babar Azam picked up the pace nicely. Azam reached his 35th T20I half-century before getting out. Ayub also played a significant innings, scoring 45 runs. However, a quick collapse in the mid-overs slowed down Pakistan's scoring. But then, Iftikhar's impressive cameo towards the end revitalized their innings, helping them post a respectable total on the scoreboard. In the chase, Irish batters fought hard, but also the pendulum swung in the favour of both sides at times, eventually going in the hosts' favor, thanks to Andy Balbirnie's 77 and of course, Curtis Campher's valiant finish.