Florida, USA – In a thrilling final match of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Florida, Ireland came within touching distance of an upset victory against Pakistan but ultimately fell short, losing by three wickets with just seven balls remaining.
Both Ireland and Pakistan had already been eliminated from advancing to the Super 8 stage before taking the field. Ireland's hopes were dashed by earlier losses to India and Canada, as well as a no-result against co-hosts USA.
Despite a valiant effort from their bowlers, Ireland's low total of 106-9 was not quite enough to fend off Pakistan, who reached their target in the 19th over.
Choosing to bat first, Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie faced a tough challenge from Pakistan's formidable pace attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, clean-bowling Balbirnie on his third delivery. Afridi then removed both Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector, while Mohammad Amir sent Stirling back to the pavilion, caught behind.
Amir continued his dominance by taking a sharp return catch to dismiss George Dockrell, leaving Ireland reeling at 32-5 by the end of the power play. Afridi’s figures stood at 3-16 and Amir’s at 2-11 during this period. Haris Rauf added to Ireland's woes by dismissing Curtis Campher, reducing them to a precarious 32-6, teetering on the brink of their lowest T20I total.
Gareth Delany (31) and Mark Adair (15) provided a glimmer of hope with a crucial 44-run partnership for the seventh wicket, before both were dismissed by Imad Wasim. Josh Little's unbeaten 22 and Ben White's gritty contribution helped Ireland surpass the 100-run mark and complete their innings at 106-9.
Despite the modest target, Ireland’s bowlers gave Pakistan a challenging start. Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy took early wickets, and Curtis Campher removed Fakhar Zaman as McCarthy added two more to his tally, leaving Pakistan at 57-5 halfway through their innings.
Campher struck again with Pakistan at 62-6, and when Ben White took Abbas Afridi's wicket, Pakistan stood at a shaky 95-7 in the 18th over, giving Ireland a glimmer of hope for a famous victory.
However, Babar Azam's composed 32 not out, assisted by Shaheen Afridi’s 13, guided Pakistan to their target, closing the match at 111-7 in 18.5 overs.
McCarthy’s impressive figures of 3-15 and Campher's 2-24 highlighted a strong bowling performance by Ireland, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Ireland exits the tournament with their heads held high, after a spirited and determined effort.
Match Summary
Ireland vs. Pakistan, 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Lauderhill, Florida, USA
- Ireland: 106-9 (20 overs; Gareth Delany 31, Josh Little 22*; Imad Wasim 3-8, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-22, Mohammad Amir 2-11)
- Pakistan: 111-7 (18.5 overs; Babar Azam 32*; Barry McCarthy 3-15, Curtis Campher 2-24)
Pakistan won by three wickets.