Pakistan limit Ireland to 106-9 in last WC encounter

Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrates the wicket of Ireland’s Andy Balbirnie yesterday. Pic/AFP

Pakistan's pace battery, led by Shaheen Afridi, fired in unison to restrict Ireland to 106 for nine in the inconsequential T20 World Cup game here on Sunday.

In a sensational display of seam and swing, the pace trio of Afridi (3-22), Mohammad Amir (2-11) and Haris Rauf (1-17) exploited the conditions well to reduce them to 32 for six in Powerplay.

Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim (3-8) then used his guile to claim three late wickets as Pakistan produced a dominating bowling show.

Top-scorer Gareth Delany stuck three maximums and a four during his 19-ball 31, while Mark Adair (15) and George Dockrell (11) also reached double digit figures.

The No. 10 Joshua Little (22 not out) then threw his bat to take Ireland across the 100-run mark.

Ireland had a nightmarish start as Afridi and Amir left them tottering at four for three in the second over.

The left-arm pacer Afridi struck twice in three balls, removing Andrew Balbirnie (0) and Lorcan Tucker (2) in the opening over. Amir then had Ireland skipper Paul Stirling (1) caught behind to leave the top order in disarray.

Brief scores
Ireland 106-9 in 20 overs (G Delaney 31; I Wasim 3-8, S Afridi 3-22, M Amir 2-11) v Pakistan (scores incomplete)

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