Imam helps Pak beat Ireland
Dublin, May 15: Pakistan debutant Imam-ul-Haq saw his side to victory as Ireland’s first match in men’s Test cricket ended in a gallant last-day defeat by five wickets at Malahide on Tuesday.
Pakistan, set a seemingly modest 160 to win, after earlier making Ireland follow-on, collapsed to 14 for three before lunch on the fifth day.
But 22-year-old left-handed opener Imam, the nephew of Pakistan selection chief and former Test batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, responded to the pressure with 74 not out — his maiden fifty at this level.
Together with Babar Azam, who made 59 after being dropped on nine, he kept Ireland at bay during a fourth-wicket stand of 126.
Imam hit the winning runs as grey clouds threatening rain hung over Malahide. Victory was a good way for Pakistan to prepare for the first of a two-Test series against England.
Earlier, Just four balls into their chase, Pakistan saw Azhar Ali edge Tim Murtagh to Paul Stirling at first slip.
Haris Sohail (seven) fell next, well taken in the gully by Ed Joyce off towering fast bowler Boyd Rankin as Ireland’s two former England internationals combined. And 13 for two became 14 for three in 4.3 overs when Murtagh removed Asad Shafiq. AFP
Brief scores: Pakistan 310/9 declared & 160/5 (Imam 74, B. Azam 59, T. Murtagh 2/55) bt Ireland 130 & 339 in 129.3 overs (K. O’Brien 118, S. Thompson 53, M. Abbas 5/66).