Ireland v Pakistan, 1st ODI: 5 Talking Points

The first ODI between Ireland and Pakistan at The Village in Malahide saw Pakistan seemingly get their ODI scenario back on track with a massive 255-run win over their hosts. Sharjeel Khan and Imad Wasim were the stars of the show courtesy of Sharjeel’s 152 and Imad Wasim’s 5/14. As far as the Ireland batting went, they simply had no answer to the Pakistan pace attack, many of whom had returned to the squad after a long absence. In a nutshell, they looked like a well-oiled unit

1. Sharjeel lights up Malahide

Sharjeel Khan lit up the Malahide-based stadium with a wonderfully compiled century. Not only did he ensure that he put Pakistan in the best position of a win, but also ensured that his ton was immortalized. His 152 off just 86 deliveries saw him break two records. The first was that his was the fourth fastest ton in Pakistani cricket and the second being that he had notched up the third fastest 150 plus score in ODIs.

2. Barry McCarthy comes up with the goods

Barry McCarthy is a great bowler when the subject of Ireland’s cricketing future is brought up. Playing in only his seventh One-Day International, McCarthy picked up a four wicket haul, something that restricted Pakistan from crossing the 350-run mark. He concluded with figures of 4/62 with Sharjeel Khan being one of his wickets.

Also read – Twitter Reactions: Sharjeel, Imad shine as Pakistan trounce Ireland by 255 runs

3. Shoaib Malik rolls back the years

Shoaib Malik is clearly in the twilight of his career. However, in spite of this, his ability to put up good final touches to the end of the innings is something that is certainly invaluable for Pakistan. Moreover, the fact that he smashed a valiant 57 off just 37 deliveries was also something that highlighted his experience with the bat.

4. Pakistan pacers rip through Irish batting

The Pakistan pacers in the form of Umar Gul, Mohammad Amir, and Hasan Ali simply decimated the Irish top-order with an audacious performance. Umar Gul, making a return to the side after a long period of time, played the pivotal role of wrecker-in-chief when he picked up three quick wickets. Pakistan then surged ahead with Imad Wasim picking up his career best figures.

Also read – Ireland v Pakistan 1st ODI – Statistical Highlights

5. Imad Wasim makes a case for selection

Having been ignored for the first match, it was clear that Imad Wasim certainly had a point to prove to the selectors as well as Mickey Arthur. He removed most of the lower and the middle order and concluded with figures of 5/14, a performance that will certainly guarantee him selection in the future matches.