Paul Stirling brutally mocks Babar Azam after beating Pakistan in the 1st T20I

Ireland skipper Paul Stirling expressed delight with a victory over a top team like Pakistan in the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series. Paul Stirling stated that the Ireland bowlers didn't do their job well to restrict Pakistan to 182 runs on the "flattest pitch in the world" during the series opener.

Ireland recorded a five-wicket victory against Pakistan in the first T20I match at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin on Friday, May 10. The home team outplayed the Babar Azam-led team to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The victory will boost Ireland's chances of securing a series victory.

We Are Absolutely Delighted - Paul Stirling

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Paul Stirling said that the victory was a perfect start to the summer, adding that it was a brilliant day for the team. The Ireland skipper expressed satisfaction with restricting Pakistan to around 180 runs on the "flattest pitch in the world."

"We are absolutely delighted, perfect start to the summer and a brilliant day this for us. When you come here, against Pakistan, flattest pitch in the world and we were pretty happy with 180, at one stage we thought we could restrict them 170 but we were delighted to chase 180 on that track," Stirling said.

A brilliant knock from Andrew Balbirnie - Paul Stirling

Paul Stirling praised Andrew Balbirnie for a brilliant knock during the run chase. The veteran opening batter stated that Balbirnie picked up the pace after the powerplay. Stirling highlighted the significance of securing a victory against Pakistan.

"Brilliant knock from Balbirnie, he got through the powerplay and picked up the pace later on as well. We have had great games here, especially against them, to get over the line is brilliant," Stirling added.

Andrew Balbirnie Named Player Of The Match

Pakistan posted a total of 182/6 after being asked to bat first. Babar Azam scored 57 off 43 balls, while Saim Ayub played a quickfire knock of 45 runs off 29, including four boundaries and three sixes. Iftikhar Ahmed scored an unbeaten 37 off 15 balls, while Shaheen Afridi smacked 14 off 8 balls.

In response, opener Andrew Balbirnie played a crucial innings of 77 runs off 55 balls despite losing two early wickets. Balbirnie added a 77-run partnership with Harry Tector, who scored 36 runs, for the third wicket. Balbirnie was dismissed on the fourth ball of the 19th over off Shaheen Afridi's bowling.

The Ireland team scored two boundaries when 11 runs were needed off the final over. They reached the target with one ball to spare. Andrew Balbirnie was named 'Player of the Match' for his composed batting display during the run chase.

The second T20I match between Pakistan and Ireland is scheduled for Sunday, May 12, at the same venue. Pakistan aims to level the series with a win, while Ireland seeks to seal the series with one match spare.

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