Pakistan held on to claim a nervy three-wicket win over Ireland as disappointing T20 World Cup campaigns for both sides came to an end at Lauderhill, Florida.
A low-scoring game was still in the balance going into the 19th over, but two big sixes from Shaheen Afridi settled it in Pakistan’s favour with seven balls to spare.
Babar Azam’s side got off to a brilliant start, with Afridi taking two wickets in the first over before Ireland slipped to 4-3 in the second.
None of the top five reached double figures, but counter-attacking knocks from Gareth Delany, who hit 31 off 19 balls, and Josh Little, who made 22 not out, got Ireland up to 106-9.
Imad Wasim was miserly with 3-8 off four overs, while Afridi took 3-22 and Mohammad Amir 2-11.
Pakistan appeared to be cruising in the chase, but lost four wickets for 10 runs to slump to 62-6 after 11 overs.
Babar remained, though, and, while never close to his fluent best, he managed to hold the innings together with a patient unbeaten 32 off 34.
Despite a battling effort, particularly with the ball as Barry McCarthy took 3-15, Ireland finish bottom of Group A without a win.
This was the last match of the tournament to be held in the USA, with the remainder of the competition being played in the Caribbean. (BBC)
