Published: Aug 18, 2016, 09:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 18, 2016, 09:01 PM (IST)
A dominant display from Sharjeel Khan, Pakistan’s opener saw his team set up a a target of 337/6 against Ireland in the first ODI at The Village, Dublin. Sharjeel who opened the innings along with Azhar Ali, despite losing his skipper kept playing attacking shots. He put on a entertaining show for the fans, striking sixes at will throughout his knock of 152 off 86 balls. After his dismissal though, Pakistan could still manage to cross the 300-run mark courtesy an important partnership by Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Nawaz. Both the middle-order batsmen scored half-centuries to make matters worse for Ireland. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs Ireland,1st ODI at The Village, Malahide, Dublin
Earlier Ireland captain William Porterfield won the toss and elected to bowl first. The match was reduced to 47-overs per side due to delay as the outfield was wet. Ali and Sharjeel opened the innings as the latter was in attacking mode from the very first over. Azhar Ali though, after a struggle was caught by keeper’ Niall O’Brien. Mohammad Hafeez had a chance to change his fortunes after the struggle in the Test series. He was looking good but hit a wide delivery, straight to Porterfield who took the catch easily. Peter Chase claimed his wicket. Hafeez departed for 37.
Sharjeel though kept the show going. Anything short, overpitched or in his range was given its due treatment. He also put on a 96-run stand with Babar Azam. Azam’s wicket was claimed by Barry McCarthy. Pakistan were 203-3 then. Sharjeel didn’t change his approach even after Azam’s wicket. He sent plenty out of the park, reached his maiden ODI century as well.
Pakistan ended their innings on a high as Malik and Nawaz, one of two debutants, accelerated towards the end to a huge total. Malik was unbeaten on 57 off 37 balls.
Pakistan rested Yasir Shah and Wahab Riaz for the first ODI, as Nawaz and Hasan Ali made their way in to the team.
