Imam steers Pakistan to win after Ireland rattle top-order
DUBLIN: Ireland’s debut in Test cricket ended in a five-wicket defeat as Pakistan debutant Imam-ul-haq hit an unbeaten 74 at Malahide on Tuesday.
Set a seemingly modest 160 to win on the last day, Pakistan collapsed to 14 for three, having made Ireland follow-on earlier in the match.
Imam-ul-haq, the nephew of selection chief and former Test batsman Inzamam-ul-haq, saw the tourists to victory with a total of 160 for five. Together with Babar Azam (59) he kept Ireland at bay during a fourth-wicket partnership of 126.
Earlier, Ireland were dismissed for 339 in their second innings. Kevin O’brien, who on Monday became the first Ireland batsman to score a Test hundred, fell to his first ball on Tuesday as Mohammad Abbas had him caught at slip for 118.
They were in danger of an innings defeat when O’brien came in at 95 for four on Monday.
But O’brien responded with a composed 118 not out and together with Stuart Thompson, who made a valuable 53, turned the tide in a century partnership for the seventh wicket. “It’s a very proud and emotional moment,” O’brien told reporters after stumps.
Brief scores: Pakistan 310/9 and 160/5 (Imam-ul-haq 74 no, Babar Azam 59, Tim Murtagh 2/55, S Thompson 1/31, Boyd Rankin 1/57) . Ireland 130 and 339 (Ko’brien 118, S Thompson 53; M Abbas 5-66, M Amir 3-63) . Pak won by 5 wkts.
BUTTLER RECALLED
England selectors on Tuesday gave a surprise recall to explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler to the Test squad for the first Test against Pakistan at Lords, starting on May 24.
Buttler, who is currently playing for Rajasthan Royals at the Indian Premier League (IPL), is expected to play as a specialist batsman at number seven. He has not played Test cricket since England’s Test against India in Chennai in December 2016.
Also in the squad is Mark Wood, who left the IPL early in order to push his claim for a place in Test side. England’s national selector Ed Smith also included uncapped off-spinner Dom Bess.