Pakistan’s disappointing World T20 campaign ends with victory against Ireland

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 19^th 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)