Published: May 23, 2013, 08:55 PM (IST)
Edited: May 23, 2013, 08:55 PM (IST)
Mohammad Hafeez scored an unbeaten 122 from 113 deliveries © Getty Images (File Photo)
Dublin: May 23, 2013
An unbeaten knock of 122 off 113 deliveries by Mohammad Hafeez along with a useful innings from Asad Shafiq (84) took Pakistan to 266 for five in the allotted quota of 47 overs after a rain interruption led to reduction of overs.
Having won the toss, Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq chose to bat. The visitors got off to a sedate start with opener Imran Farhat and Nasir Jamshed taking their time to set in. In the fifth over Jamshed was hit on the toe by a Trent Johnston delivery.
However, a rain interruption during the sixth over kept the teams away from action. After play resumed, Jamshed looked uncomfortable and retired hurt scoring just 15 runs before returning later in the match to complete his innings.
Farhat was the first wicket to fall caught by Paul Stirling in the slips off Alex Cusack. The two new batsmen — Mohammad Hafeez and Asad Shafiq — then steadied the ship and started scoring briskly. Their partnership of 188 runs ensured that Pakistan headed for a stiff total.
Shafiq was dismissed in the 43rd over for 84 runs. Hafeez complete his fifth ODI century an over later.
Two quick wickets in couple of overs from there posed little difficulty for the visitors. Jamshed who returned to complete his innings was dismissed by Kevin O’Brien. Skipper Misbah was run-out a ball later without even facing a delivery. However, Hafeez kept his wicket intact to take his team to the eventual total.
According to Duckworth-Lewis method Ireland have to chase 276 in 47 overs.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan 266 for 5 in 47 overs (Mohammad Hafeez 122*, Asad Shafiq 84; Kevin O’Brien 2 for 43, Alex Cusack 2 for 50) vs Ireland.
