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PAK beat IRE by 5 wickets | Pakistan vs Ireland, Highlights And Cricket Score One-off Test Match - Commentary
Pakistan in Ireland, Only Test, 2018
Date: May 11, 2018 Start Time: 15:30 IST | 10:00 GMT | 11:00 LocalVenue: The Village, Malahide, Dublin
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Pakistan vs Ireland Highlights And Cricket Score One-off Match - Test Commentary
After electing to bowl, Ireland got off to a perfect start by dismissing the Pakistan openers early. However, Asad Shafiq dug in well and scored a good half ton. A flurry of wickets in between saw Pakistan in a spot of bother at 159 for 6 but a 117-run stand between Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan bailed their side out of stutter and put the visitors in a healthy position. Tim Murtagh was the most impressive of the bowlers as he bagged a four-fer. The rest though could not pose a lot of problems with the old ball and they are now staring down a first innings total which is a little above par. Will the Ireland batters come to the fore or will the Pakistan pace attack get the better of them? Stay tuned to find out.
PAKISTAN HAVE DECLARED WITH 310 ON THE BOARD! They do have a good enough total on a wicket which has something in it for the bowlers to exploit. They have added 42 runs to their overnight tally this morning and lost three wickets. Once again it was the new ball which did the trick for the Irish bowlers. They got Shadab Khan early but Faheem Ashraf continued batting with the tail. He stitched another handy stand with Amir before he departed to a peach of a delivery and missed out on a deserving ton bu just 17 runs.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Shorter in length and aimed at the rib cage of the batsman. Abbas defends it onto the ground.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Attacks the stumps now and gets it to shape away. The batsman tries to defend but it goes off the edge and along the ground to the slip fielder.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Good length outside off, Abbas tries to defend it away from his body bets gets beaten.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Shortish in length and outside off, the batsman lets it be.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Swings again but this time he does not connect.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. FOUR! A wild swing, the ball takes the edge of the bat and goes over the slip cordon for a boundary. Handy runs for Pakistan and frustrating ones for Ireland.
Tim Murtagh to Rahat Ali. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Tim Murtagh to Rahat Ali. Back of a length and on off, Ali blocks it out.
Tim Murtagh to Rahat Ali. On a length around off, once again the batsman leaves it.
Tim Murtagh to Rahat Ali. Outside off, Ali makes a leave.
Tim Murtagh to Rahat Ali. Fuller and on the stumps, the batsman gets right behind it and keeps it out.
Tim Murtagh to Rahat Ali. Wide outside off, left alone.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Length again on the pads, Abbas tries to defend but gets beaten and is hit on the pads.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. The ball has found the edge of the bat.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Third in a row! This is on the fuller side outside off. Abbas tries to go big but does not connect.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Fuller this time and swinging away. Abbas goes for the drive but again gets beaten.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Back of a length on off, this one shapes away a touch. Abbas makes room and hangs his bat out but gets beaten.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Length ball outside off, left alone.
Rahat Ali is the last man in.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. OUT! Two-in-two overs for Ireland. Tim gets his fourth and the end is now nigh for Pakistan. This is fuller and on off, it shapes away a touch. Amir goes for a loose drive, like he has been doing through out his innings. This time though the ball takes the outside edge and it's a simple catch to Niall O'Brien behind.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Another one slanting away from the batsman. Amir tries to keep it out but gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Back of a length on off, Amir pushes it through backward point for a brace.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. On the pads, works it to mid-wicket.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Back of a length on off, Amir defends it solidly.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Abbas. Back of a length on off, Abbas first thinks of defending it but then tries to pull his bat out of the way. He is late in doing so and the ball hits the bottom edge and goes to third slip.
Mohammad Abbas is the new man in.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. OUT! Faheem's luck runs out! He gets an absolute peach. Just how do you play those? Ashraf surely did not have an answer. This lands on a length around the leg pole. It shapes away and also shoots off the surface. Ashraf is surprised by the extra bounce and tries to defend it with his bat hanging out. The ball though takes the edge and goes into the mitts of Niall O'Brien who takes it this time. So a good outing for the debutant comes to an end. He falls 17 short of a century but he too has done his job.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Amir. On a length and on the pads, Amir works it through mid-wicket for a run.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Amir. The line is way outside off, the batsman leaves it alone.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Short and this is slapped through point. There is a fielder in the deep so only a single results.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Shorter in length outside off, the batsman chops it to covers.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Attacks the stumps this time and Ashraf defends it onto the ground.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Hits the length hard on off, it angles away from the left hander. He pushes at it and gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. OOOO! This is on the fuller side and outside off. Amir goes for the booming drive but gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Back of a length on off, Amir defends it solidly.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Good length and on off, Faheem guides it through point and gets to the other end.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Amir. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Amir. Back of a length and on off, it is punched to covers.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Amir. Wide outside off, the batsman does not fiddle with it.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Amir. On the pads, the batsman misses the flick and gets hit on the pads.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Amir. Length again on off, Amir defends it.
Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Amir. Good length outside off, it is left alone.
Stuart Thompson is back on.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Good length on middle, it is tapped towards covers and the batsmen set off for a run. The fielder comes running in and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. On a length around off, slanting away. The batsman thinks about playing at it but pulls out of the shot.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Back of a length on off, Amir defends it onto the ground.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Fuller and outside off, Amir tries to go downtown but does not connect.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Shorter in length on off, defended solidly.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Short again on off, the batsman evades it this time.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Hits the length hard on off, Ashraf defends it onto the ground.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Length around off, punched to the man at covers.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. Short again and on off, Amir rocks back and punches it through covers. Some good running by the batsmen see them get three.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Short again, this time the pull shot is not middled. They also have a man at the back and only a run is taken.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Cracked! Short and it sits up to be hit. Faheem rocks back and pulls it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Fuller on middle, driven back to Murtagh who gets low in his followthrough and stops it.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Short of a length, close to the off stump line, Amir pushes it away with an angled blade towards point.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Goes fuller and serves it outside off, Faheem lunges ahead and with pats it through point for a single.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Tries to bring this back in from around off, Ashraf solidly keeps it out off the back foot.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Lands it on a length around middle, Ashraf shuffles across and defends it on the leg side.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Keeps it full and around middle, defended solidly off the front foot.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. On the pads, worked around the corner for a run.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. On a length and around middle, the batsman nudges it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. Beaten! Length again on off, it slants away from the batsman. He pushes at it but does not connect.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. Fullish on off, it is driven to the man at mid off.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. Good length on middle, this one comes back in. The batsman tries to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Fullish and on off, Ashraf squirts it through point and gets a brace.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Back of a length on off, defended.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball, but fails.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Good length around off, this one shapes back in. Ashraf defends it with bat and pad close to each other. The bowler appeals thinking it is pad first but the umpire shakes his head.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Good length on off, defended.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. DROPPED! We have seen quite a few drops in the slip cordon by the Irish fielders and here is another. This is on a length around off, this one shapes away. Ashraf tries to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes towards Andy McBrine at third slip. He dives to his left to take it but can't hang on. The debutant has rode his luck along. This is the third time he has gotten a life.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. In the air... but short! The bumper on middle, the batsman goes for a pull but gets a top edge towards deep square leg who collects it on the bounce. A run taken by the batsmen.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. On a length around off, blocked.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. EDGY FOUR! Amir gets off the mark but not in a convincing fashion, he will take it though. Full and on off, Amir goes for the drive but it goes off the edge and through the slip cordon for a boundary. Handy runs are these for Pakistan.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. Length ball outside off, the batsman lets it be.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. Another play and a miss! On a length and outside off, slanting away. The batsman goes for the drive but gets beaten.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. Fuller and wider outside off, Amir goes for the booming drive but gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. The sucker ball outside off, Ashraf goes after it but gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Top shot! This is fuller and on off, Ashraf leans into it and times it through mid off for a boundary.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Good delivery! On a length around off, this one pitches and moves away from the batsman. Ashraf tries to keep it out but gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Good length on off, defended.
Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Amir. The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. On middle, worked towards mid-wicket for a run.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Fires a full ball outside off, Ashraf tries to drive it through the off side but does not connect.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Good length around off again, Ashraf blocks it.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Good start by Rankin! On a length around off, this one shapes away after pitching. Ashraf tries to keep it out but gets beaten.
Boyd Rankin is back on.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Another ball a little too wide outside off, left alone. Had to make the new batsman play there, two poor deliveries by Tim.
Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Amir. Outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir comes out to the middle.
Tim Murtagh to Shadab Khan. OUT! LBW! The new ball has done the trick. A big, big breakthrough for Ireland and a much-needed one. They have broken the 117-run stand. An inswinger from Murtagh, he comes running in and bowls it on a length around off, it tails back in late. Shadab is unable to counter it as he goes for the flick across the line. Misses it and gets hit on the pads. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger immediately. Replays show it would have gone down the leg side but sadly, there is no DRS for this game. Shadab Khan departs early today, he though has done his job. Can Ireland now make quick work of the tail?
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Fuller and on middle, this is pushed towards covers for a quick run.
So Ireland have decided to take the new cherry now.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Once again the ball does not bounce a lot. It is on a length around off, it slants away. Faheem first tries to play at it but then pulls his bat out.
The second new ball is available but it has not been taken as of now. Tim Murtagh is brought into the attack for the first time today.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Back of a length on off, the batsman punches it to the man at covers.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. On a length around off, the batsman shoulders arms to it.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Fuller on off, Ashraf strokes it through covers and gets to the other end.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Shorter in length outside off, the batsman punches it through covers for a run.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Wide outside off, the batsman lets it be.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Slightly short and outside off, it is slapped to the man at deep point for a run.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Wide outside off, the batsman need not play at those.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. EDGED AND JUST SHORT! The slow nature of the wicket saved Faheem there. It was on a length around off, it slants away from the batsman. Ashraf tries to defend but gets an outside edge which falls just short of the diving second slip fielder. He makes a good stop though, a run taken.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. Once again it is outside off, Ashraf lets it be. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. Length ball around off, Faheem taps it towards point and wants a run but is sent back by his partner.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. BEATEN! The bowler bowls it full and outside off, wanting the batsman to go for a loose stroke. He does as he goes for a drive away from his body and gets beaten.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Once again outside off, the batsman makes a leave.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Outside off, left alone.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. First run for Ashraf today! He guides it through point and gets to the other end.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Shorter in length on off, Ashraf pushes it back to the bowler.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Down the leg side, Ashraf misses out on the flick and it goes on the bounce to the keeper.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. On the shorter side and outside off, Khan rocks back and punches it through point for a run.
Stuart Thompson to bowl from the other end.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. A yorker to end the over. Ashraf digs it out.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. Another one outside off, tempting the batsman to go for a drive. The batsman resists and lets it be.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. First run of today! Another length ball around off, Khan pushes it towards point for a run. That is poor by Ireland, giving such easy singles away. They should be attacking a little more.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. This is one is on the fuller side but the line is way outside off. The batsman does not need to play at those.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Length ball and this time on the stumps, Shadab Khan defends it onto the ground.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Starts off with a full toss, a low one. This one does swing a little away from the batsman. Khan drives it to the man at covers.
Bright sunshine welcomes us, that's good start to the day! The players make their way out to the middle. The two overnight batsmen will resume their innings. Shadab Khan is on strike and he will face Tyrone Kane who will start the proceedings. Two slips and a gully in place. Here we go...
Ireland, on the other hand, will try and bundle the opposition out quickly. The new ball will be available in four overs and one would expect it to be taken quickly as it was with the new ball that the Irish bowlers looked more threatening. So what will we have in store for us today? Will Pakistan strengthen their position or will the Irish come roaring back?
Hello and welcome to what is called as the 'moving day' in Test cricket, Day 3, between Ireland and Pakistan in Dublin. We have hardly had a full day's play but the forecast for today is quite good. The game is slightly in favor of Pakistan courtesy the stand between Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan. Both have brought up their respective fifties and they would look to add some more runs quickly today and get closer to the 300-run mark.
... Day 3, Session 1 ...
The Irish bowlers were very good at the start but lost steam as the day progressed. They did have Pakistan on the mat but could not capitalize and just let the game drift away. Also, their fielding was not up to the mark as they dropped a couple of catches which has hurt them big time. Still they can feel proud with the way they have announced themselves in this format. They need to break this stand quickly to restrict the visitors under 300. Pakistan, on the other hand, will hope that the current pair can bat for as long as possible to help them post a good total. The forecast for tomorrow is pretty good. Do join us for the coverage at 1100 local time (1000 GMT). Till then you can switch over to the Indian T20 League where Bangalore are asked to chase down a huge total. Cheers!
The inevitable has happened as it started to rain while the players were walking off the field. STUMPS on Day 2! We lost the whole day yesterday and we have lost 22 overs today, all due to the bad weather. Pakistan though will be the happier side as they find themselves in a strong position going into Day 3. They were in a spot of bother at 159 for 6 but an unbeaten hundred-run stand for the seventh wicket between Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf, with both scoring half tons, has made them believe they can get up to the 300-run mark, which at one stage looked far-fetched.
It has gone really dark out there. The two umpires are seen having a word and they have decided to walk off. The precautionary covers have been brought in. Not good signs, these! Also, we can hear some thundering as the players trudge back. A good call by the umpires to take them off. Seems like that should be it as the light won't be improving from here. Still let us wait for the official confirmation...
Paul Stirling to Faheem Ashraf. Flat and quick on the stumps, Faheem Ashraf hangs back in defense.
Paul Stirling to Faheem Ashraf. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Paul Stirling to Faheem Ashraf. SIX! First of the match! What a hit! That is right in the zone for Faheem, it's full and on middle, Ashraf tonks it over long on for a biggie.
Paul Stirling to Faheem Ashraf. Floats it up on off, Ashraf defends it onto the ground.
Paul Stirling to Shadab Khan. Loopy ball on off, it is driven through covers for a run.
Paul Stirling to Shadab Khan. Flatter on middle, Khan defends it.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. The ball is way wide on the leg side but the batsman still goes after it.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Full and wide outside off, it is driven uppishly through backward point. The batsmen run two and Ashraf wants the second but slips as he goes for it. He recovers well and completes it as the fielder fires a throw to the keeper.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. The 100-run stand comes up now! These two seem to have taken the game away from Ireland with this brilliant partnership. Ashraf flicks the ball through square leg and bags a brace. A fist punch is shared by them.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Fullish and on middle, driven back towards the bowler.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Another ball wide outside off, left alone.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Wide outside off, guided towards point.
Paul Stirling to Shadab Khan. Maiden Test fifty for Shadab Khan as well. Gets down and does the Sajda! Truly deserving, well played! Waits for the ball to come and then dabs it behind point for a couple of runs.
Paul Stirling to Shadab Khan. Works it with the turn towards mid-wicket.
Paul Stirling to Faheem Ashraf. Loopy ball on off, kept out towards covers for a run.
Paul Stirling to Shadab Khan. Flatter on off, punched to covers for a run.
Paul Stirling to Shadab Khan. Shortish and outside off, it is cut to point.
Paul Stirling to Shadab Khan. Straightaway brings the sweep shot out but finds the fielder at backward square leg.
Paul Stirling is into the attack. A spinner for the first time today.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Fullish on off, Ashraf gets it off the toe end towards mid off.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Length around off, defended solidly.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Full again and outside off, wanting the batsman to go for a booming drive. He resists and lets it go through to the keeper.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Fullish and outside off, left alone.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Back of a length on off, it is tucked to the man at mid-wicket.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Length outside off, left alone.
Kevin O'Brien is back on.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. And again. Seems like after scoring 18 runs in the previous over Pakistan batsmen are happy to cool down now.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Another one in the channel, another leave.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. The batsman gets a bottom edge of the bat on that one.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Shadab makes a good leave as it was a wide delivery.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Stays put and punches it past cover for a couple.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Wide outside off, nothing doing.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Fifty on debut for Ashraf! He's had is luck but then you need to make the most of it and this man certainly has. A raise of the bat from him and the entire Pakistan dressing room lauds the effort. Comes forward to a fuller ball and drives it through cover to celebrate his milestone. 18 off the over, a real big one.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Make that fourth one! Fuller and strayed on the pads, all Ashraf had to do was to get some bat on it. He does with a fine tickle down the leg side.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Shot! This is turning out to be a huge over! Another one on the shorter side, Faheem slaps it past gully for the third boundary of the over.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Edged and dropped! Niall O'Brien what have you done? It was a simple catch to Wilson at first slip. Chance goes down abegging and this will only hurt Ireland! Back of a length, angling away a touch, Ashraf looks to go after it but gets an edge. It flies behind but Niall O'Brien dives to his left to take it. The ball goes off his gloves and then races down to the third man fence for another boundary. Had he not dived, it would have been a dolly to Wilson.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Beaten! On a length and outside off, Ashraf comes forward to defend but misses.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Nicely placed! Short of a length delivery outside off, Ashraf places his cut past the man at gully for a boundary to start the over.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Almost chops it on! A length ball outside off, Shadab goes for a push but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Wide outside off, left alone.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Short and outside off, the batsman chops it to the man at point.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. On a length around middle, kept out.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. The ball is down the leg side but the batsman still goes after it.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Digs in a short delivery on middle, Ashraf is a bit early into his pull shot and hence gets it off the toe end of the bat as the ball rolls back towards Rankin.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Back of a length delivery outside off, punched towards cover.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. Short of a length around leg, Ashraf hops and taps one besides the pitch.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Punches this length delivery square on the off side for a single.
The groundsmen are seen taking their place as it has gone really dark now...
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Decks back in sharply with some bounce, Khan fails to defend as the ball goes off the pads and goes towards the slip cordon.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Authoritative! Short of a length delivery on middle, it sits up to be hit and Shadab Khan dismisses it from his sight. Swivels a touch and nails the pull through mid-wicket. No stopping that. Moves to 45 with that blow!
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. The ball strikes the batsman very low on the pads The fielding side is asking the question. The umpire shows no interest in the appeal.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. NO BALL! He bowls it down the leg side. Khan goes for the flick but the ball brushes the pads. Goes through the hands of the diving keeper and down to fine leg for a run.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Fuller and outside off, left alone.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. On middle, worked with the angle to mid-wicket.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. The batsman works it down the leg side.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Works it around the corner for a run.
Stuart Thompson is back on.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. The batsman gets a bottom edge on that one.
Boyd Rankin to Faheem Ashraf. The batsman plays a pull shot to this short delivery. One run added to the total.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. In the air... but lands in no man's land. Short and on the body of the batsman. It bounces a touch more. Khan tries to defend but the ball hits the high portion and lobs towards the off side. A run taken.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Shortish and on middle, the batsman defends onto the ground.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Down the leg side, the batsman misses the flick.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Shortish and on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot.
Boyd Rankin is back on.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! That is brilliant from Faheem. A shot with which any top order batsman would be proud of. Full and on off, Faheem shows the full face of the bat and times it through mid off for a boundary.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. Length ball around off, kept out.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Very full and on middle, flicked down to fine leg for a run.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Back of a length outside off, the batsman tries to force it through the off side but gets an outside edge to the man at gully.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. A yorker and on off, Khan jams it out to mid off.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Fullish in length and on off, it is stroked to covers.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. A yorker on off, the batsman digs it out.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Short and outside off, Ashraf goes for the cut but misses.
Tim Murtagh to Shadab Khan. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. One run added to the total.
Tim Murtagh to Shadab Khan. Fullish and on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot.
Tim Murtagh to Shadab Khan. On middle, worked to the man at mid-wicket.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Shortish and outside off, punched through point for a run.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Fuller on the stumps, driven to the man at covers.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Wide outside off, the batsman need not play at those.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Fuller in length outside off, swinging away further. Shadab makes a leave.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Short again outside off, it has been slapped through covers and the batsmen get two.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Back of a length on off, pushed to mid off.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Back of a length on off, Ashraf defends it to mid off.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Another full ball which is driven to the man at mid off.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Fuller again on middle, the batsman prods forward and keeps it out.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Fuller on middle, eased to mid on.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Length ball on middle, Ashraf defends it off the back foot.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. On the pads, Ashraf flicks it through square leg and runs two.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Top shot! Slightly short and enough room on offer for Shadab Khan as he rocks back and punches it through covers for a boundary to raise the 50-run stand between the two.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. BEATEN! Fuller and again swinging away. Khan as a feel for it but does not connect.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Wide outside off, the batsman lets it be.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Good length on off, it is pushed to the man at mid off.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. A huge appeal but nothing from the umpire. Fuller and on off, the batsman goes for the drive but he seems to have missed it. The keeper takes a diving catch to his right and appeals. The umpire though shakes his head as he indicates the bat has hit the ground.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. On a length around middle and off, defended back to the bowler.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Back of a length around off, blocked.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Comes forward to a fuller delivery and drives it towards cover.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Good length around off, defended.
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Edged and dropped! Dear me! Murtagh has his hands on his head! He angles away a fuller length delivery outside off, Faheem Ashraf looks to drive but gets an edge which goes down low towards first slip where Wilson fails to hold onto it. Will this prove to be costly?
Tim Murtagh to Faheem Ashraf. Fuller delivery on off, pushed to mid on.
Tim Murtagh to bowl from the other end.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. EDGY FOUR! Beautifully bowled was that one. Full and shaping away on off, Khan lunges forward and goes for the drive but the ball takes the outside edge. Beats the diving fielder at third slip and into the fence.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Shorter in length outside off, Khan pushes it through point and bags a brace.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. On a length around middle, pushed to mid on.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. FIVE OVERTHROWS! Bonus for Pakistan. This is on a length around off, the batsman taps it towards point and sets off for a run. The fielder there comes running in, picks the ball up and fires a wild throw at the bowler's end. It misses the stumps and the fielder backing up can't stop it and it races away. 200 up for Pakistan.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. On a fuller length and outside off, Ashraf lets it be.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! First runs of this session and it is in the form of a boundary! Poor ball outside off and on a shorter length. Ashraf cuts it through backward point and the ball races away.
Tyrone Kane to Faheem Ashraf. Starts off with a length ball around off, the batsman pushes it to the man at point.
We are back for the final session. 39 overs left so we are in for a long one. Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf will resume their innings. Tyrone Kane will bowl the first over after the break. Here we go...
...Day 2, Session 3...
Pakistan batters aren't willing to spend time in the middle. Only Asad Shafiq showed the eagerness to bat out there but he failed to convert his fifty into a big one. Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed's wicket must have sent a fear in their dressing room but the current pair of Ashraf and Khan has done well to avoid further hiccup and took them through to Tea. Will these two be able to bat for some more time and take the total to somewhere near 250 or will the Irish bowlers nip out the remaining wickets quickly? Join us in a bit for the final session which will be a long one.
Another good session for Ireland! They broke the stand between Sohail and Shafiq quickly after the Lunch interval and since then they have continued to chip away at the wickets. All their bowlers have been pretty disciplined and got the rewards for the same. Rankin and Murtagh were the ones doing the job but Thompson put his hands up in this session and contributed with a couple of wickets to his name as well. Just towards the end, they seemed to have been a bit wayward but otherwise, it's a clinical show from their bowlers.
Kevin O'Brien to Shadab Khan. Gets a glove this time! Another one down leg, Shadab Khan tries clipping it away but gets it off the gloves which goes on the bounce to Niall O'Brien behind. TEA ON DAY 2!
Kevin O'Brien to Shadab Khan. Spills one down leg, Khan fails to put that away.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Half-a-shot but no harm done! On a length and outside off, Faheem stays back and decides to leave but the ball comes back in and he had to play. Gets it off the outer half of the bat past the slip cordon. The fielder gives it a chase and does well to pull it back in play. Three taken!
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Drives a fuller delivery nicely but finds Stirling at short cover.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Short of a length delivery outside off, chopped towards the fully fielder.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Fullish in length and around off, Ashraf defends it solidly off the front foot.
There is a halt in play. Some issue with the sightscreen and it's getting fixed...
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Good running! On the pads, a whippy drive through backward square by Ashraf. They run two and see the fielder is a bit late to charge and decide to go for another. Complete three with ease and these two have now added 31 runs between them.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Goes back and punches it square on the off side for a single.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. On a length and outside off, Khan is in two minds as to what to do. Leave or play. Attempts for the latter and nearly plays the price.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. In the same channel, Shadab shows resistance.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Edged and there is no third man! So frustrating for the bowler, this1 Fuller and attacking the stumps, Khan goes at it with hard hand but gets a thick edge which flies between backward point and gully for back-to-back boundaries.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Slammed! Short of a length delivery outside off, Shadab's eyes light up as he cuts it hard behind point and the ball races away to the third man fence.
Kevin O'Brien to Shadab Khan. Fuller outside off, driven through cover for one.
Kevin O'Brien to Shadab Khan. Nipping back in on middle, Shadab Khan brings his bat down in time and keeps it out.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. This is even better from Ashraf! Leans nicely into a fuller ball outside off and unfurls a cracking drive through the cover. The ball doesn't go all the way due to the slow outfield but enough the fetch him three.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Punched down the ground! Good length delivery on middle and off, Faheem Ashraf stands tall and punches it off the middle down the ground. The man from mid on and mid off give it a chase but the ball still wins the race. First boundary in Test cricket for Ashraf, special feeling!
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Gets across and pushes this full delivery towards cover.
Kevin O'Brien to Faheem Ashraf. Fuller delivery to begin with, Ashraf eases it to mid on.
Kevin O'Brien is brought into the attack now.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Leans ahead a touch and works it towards square leg.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Slants it wider again, Ashraf has a wild slash at it. Beaten!
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. An appeal for a caught behind! Fires it full and wide outside off, Faheem crouches low and tries to squeeze it out through cover but seems to have missed it completely. There was a noise as the ball passed the bat which got the Irish going. They all appeal but it's rightly turned down as the noise of the bat hitting the ground.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Stays back in the crease and pats it away safely.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. This one comes back in from outside off, Ashraf plays it a bit uppishly towards mid off.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Slightly fuller outside off, Khan takes a stride ahead and makes a leave.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Moves back and across as he blocks it away towards the cover region.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Very full ball outside off, a mistimed drive towards mid off.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Goes deep in the crease and dabs it towards backward point.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Fuller in length and on middle, pushed to mid on.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. On a length and outside off, Khan slaps it to deep point and hares across for a double.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Faheem Ashraf makes a good leave to end the over.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Works this fuller delivery wide of the man at mid on and runs one.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Takes a stride ahead and eases the drive towards mid off.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Covers the line on this one and shows a straight bat in defense.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Good length ball on middle and leg, worked towards mid on for nothing.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. Faheem Ashraf gets off the mark! Clips this length delivery through square leg and runs one.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Stays back and punches it to the man at cover.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Lets this length delivery outside off settle into the mitts of the keeper.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Comes forward and drives it through cover for a couple of runs.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. On a length and outside off, Shadad Khan tries to push it away but gets an edge which lands just short of Stirling at second slip.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Crashed! This man can bat! Short of a length delivery outside off, Shadab scythes it through point to send it across the rope in a jiffy.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Kane comes back into the attack and bowls a fuller delivery outside off, left alone.
Stuart Thompson to Faheem Ashraf. A snorter to welcome the debutant! Back of a length, slanting away a touch with some bounce. Ashraf has a waft at it only to be beaten.
Faheem Ashraf, the debutant is in next.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. OUT! There goes another! And this time it's the Pakistan skipper who falls, leaving his side in some more trouble now. This was actually a shocking shot to be honest. Slightly on the shorter side outside off, Sarfraz tries to guide it down but does so away from the body. There is a bit of extra bounce which takes the outer portion of the bat and goes into the bucket-like-hands of Paul Stirling at second slip who accepts his second catch. Ireland continue to chip away at the wickets. Can they bowl Pakistan out today?
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. Walks down a couple of steps and tucks it in front of the man at mid-wicket. Looks to steal a single but won't get it.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. Replica of the previous delivery.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. Watches this delivery till the last moment before letting it be.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. Good length delivery outside off, Ahmed waits for it and then at the last moment, he opens the face of the bat to guide it to the slip cordon. Soft hands!
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. After bowling a fuller delivery, Rankin pounds in a short ball. Khan ducks!
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Beautiful! Fuller delivery on off, Shadab Khan lean forward and nails the drive down the ground for a delightful boundary. Supreme!
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Spills one down leg, Khan misses his attempted flick shot.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Shadab gets on top of the bounce as he dabs it towards gully. Wants a single but it is not on.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Serves it in the avenue of apprehension, SK has got nothing to do with that one.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Good length delivery on the stumps, blocked back to the bowler.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Shadab Khan tucks this towards mid on and scampers across for a single.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Gets behind the line and defends it down safely.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Gets forward to a fuller delivery and pushes it to mid off.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Angles it in from around off and then shaping away, Khan has a poke at it and gets beaten completely.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Fuller and straying down leg, Khan leaves it.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. That was a weird attempt from the Pakistan leggie! Short of a length delivery outside off, Khan at first looks to cut but then doesn't go after it. Keeps his bat out and luckily for him the ball doesn't take the edge behind.
Stuart Thompson is back on.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. Bumper on middle and leg, Sarfraz is happy to sit under it.
Boyd Rankin to Shadab Khan. Shadab works it towards mid-wicket and is up and running straightaway.
Shadab Khan is the next man in.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. OUT! Straight to the man! This around the wicket angle works for Ireland as they get the set batsman Asad Shafiq. He can't believe what just happened and walks back with his head down. Rankin digs in a short delivery on middle and leg, Asad rocks back to pull and hits it well but finds Andy Balbirnie at square leg who takes the catch over his head. Good field placement and the visitors have now lost half their side.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. Leg bye! Shortish around leg, Ahmed fails to clip that away as the ball goes off the pads towards the leg side and they cross.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. Short of a length delivery on middle, Sarfraz gets on top of the bounce and drops it down on the pitch.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. Short of a length delivery on leg, Ahmed is quick to sit under it.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Defends this fuller delivery off the front foot.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Back of a length delivery outside off, Ahmed guides it behind square on the off side for a single.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Holds its line outside off, Sarfraz shoulders his arms.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Short and outside off, slapped to deep point for a single.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Good length delivery outside off, Shafiq steers it behind point and comes back for a couple. Oh wait, the umpire spots that Shafiq has no completed the second run and hence only a single will be considered.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. A short ball too end the over, Sarfraz ducks under it.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. Changes his length and lands it on a length around off, Sarfraz defends it.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. Too predictable now! Fourth bumper in a row. Sarfraz quite easily ducks under it.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Short again, Shafiq pulls it down to fine leg for just a single.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Another bumper on middle, the batsman ducks under it.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Comes around the wicket and bangs it short. Shafiq is up for it though as he pulls it to the man at square leg.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Walks down the track and tucks it towards mid on for a run.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Wide outside off, Shafiq lets it be.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Streaky! Full marks to the bowler there but runs to the batsman. On a length around off, this one shapes away a touch. Asad prods forward and tries to defend but takes the outside edge and goes through the slip cordon for a boundary.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Goes back to bowling length does the bowler around off, Shafiq keeps it out.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Classy! Fuller in length and on off, Asad leans into it and times it beautifully through covers for a boundary.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. FOUR! Pulled with aplomb! Short of a length delivery on middle, Sarfraz is up for the challenge as he swivels and pulls it firmly through backward square leg for a boundary to end the over.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. Hops back and across and tucks it away towards square leg.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. Hangs back to a length delivery and defends.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. That's fifty for Asad Shafiq, his 19th in Tests! He's looked good since the moment he's stepped in and has got to a milestone. Needs to carry on though. Shortish delivery on middle, pulled behind square on the leg side for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Fuller on the leg stump line, Shafiq fails to flick it away.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. No ball! Starts this over from around the wicket and hurls in a short of a good length delivery on middle, Asad shows a tight defense.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Fuller in length on off, it is driven to mid off.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Wide outside off, the batsman lets it be.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Fuller on off, Ahmed drives it to mid off.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Fullis outside off, Ahmed lets it be.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Fuller but a little too straight. Ahmed works it towards mid-wicket. The fielder there makes a good stop.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. On middle, Asad works it through square leg and takes a run.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. FOUR LEG BYES! Poor from the keeper! A ball down the leg side, Sarfraz misses the flick and the ball hits his pads. It goes towards the keeper who misfields and concedes a boundary.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Sarfraz Ahmed. EDGED AND OVER! How many times have we seen this today. Once again the extra bounce almost does the trick. Shorter in length on middle, this one shoots off the surface. Sarfraz tries to defend it off the back foot but the ball takes the edge and lobs over gully for a run.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Works it around the corner with the angle for a run.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Similar length delivery on middle, the batsman jumps and defends it down.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Shorter in length on off, Asad hops and taps it to covers.
Boyd Rankin is back on.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. A peach to end the over! Similar to the last delivery, pitches around off and the turns away sharply. Ahmed once again lunges to defend it but gets beaten.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Beauty! This is where Kane should bowl on cosistent basis. On a length around off, this one swings away after pitching. Sarfraz has to play at that one as he tries to keep it out off the front foot. But the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Tucks it around the corner with the angle and gets to the other end.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Bowls it on a length around off, Asad guides it towards gully.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Kane pays the price for bowling too full. He is driven through covers, not to the fence but the batsmen still run three.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Fuller in length on off, Asad lunges forward and pushes it towards covers for a run.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. Leans ahead and blocks it out solidly off the front foot gently.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. FOUR! Streaky runs! Tim angles this one in at first and then gets it to curl away a touch. Sarfraz Ahmed has a push at it with soft hands but it still takes the outside edge. It doesn't carry to the third slip fielder but sneaks through the gap between him and second slip and scoots away to the third man fence.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. Sarfraz defends it from within the crease.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. Punches a length ball through cover, pierces the gap and takes a brace.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. Almost rolls back onto the stumps! Heart in mouth moment for the Pakistan skipper! Ahmed comes a step ahead and defends it with soft hands. However, the ball threatens to roll back on the stumps as Sarfraz tries to turn around quickly and shoo it away.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. This one holds its line outside off, Ahmed leaves it unharmed.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Very full outside off, Asad hits it hard but a good dive from the fielder at cover denies him a certain boundary. Good fielding!
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Good length delivery on off, presses forward and defends.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Edged and over! That was a loose shot from a set batsman! Fuller ball, sprayed a touch wider outside off, Shafiq goes for a booming drive and gets an edge. Much to his delight it evades a leaping Porterfield, who is so sharp at gully for a boundary.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Looks to work this one on the leg side but gets an inside edge behind square on the leg side for a single.
Tyrone Kane to Sarfraz Ahmed. Fuller and wider outside off, asking the batter to go after him. Sarfraz obliges as he reaches out to that one and drives it past the cover fielder for a couple.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. A full toss outside off, Shafiq drives it towards cover where the fielder dives and parries it further. They take one.
Tyrone Kane into the attack now.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. Short of a length delivery on middle, defended well. A successful ove from Murtagh!
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. Shuffles a bit and works it to mid-wicket.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. The Pakistan skipper gets off the mark as he hits this length delivery through cover and adds a brace.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. Sarfraz walks across to a length ball and smothers it away.
Sarfraz Ahmed is in next.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. OUT! Finds the edge this time! So a run out chance missed on the previous delivery doesn't cost much. Disciplined bowling from Tim and he gets his second of the game. Angles it in from around off and this one moves away ever so slightly. Babar Azam with hard hands tries to push this one but gets a thick edge which flies into the safe hands of Paul Stirling at second slip who catches it and then throws it up in the air to celebrate. So Azam walks back for not much.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Chance of a run out! Shafiq taps this length delivery besides the pitch on the off side and sets off. Porterfield from gully charges in towards the ball and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Tell you what, had that hit, Babar Azam would have been a goner.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Babar Azam tries flicking a ball that is down the leg side but fails.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Fullish and on the pads, worked fine down the leg side for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Nudges this with soft hands to square leg and gets to the other end.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Babar Azam shuffles across and doesn't offer any shot. Wears it on the pads as the ball runs away on the leg side. They cannot steal one as no shot was offered.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. This one decks in sharply, Azam is a bit late in bringing his bat down. Somehow manages to keep that one out.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Shortish delivery, angling in, tapped in front of the man at mid-wicket for a brisk single. There is a shy at the bowler's end but it doesn't hit.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Hangs back to back of a length delivery and keeps it out towards the off side.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Wider line outside off, ignored by Babar.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. FOUR! Partial stop but not enough to save a boundary. Murtagh arrows in a fuller delivery on middle, Azam leans ahead and bunts it past the non-striker. The man at mid on puts in a dive to his left, gets a hand to it but the ball still wins the race.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Clips one off the pads through square leg for a single.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Has got nothing to do with the one served in the tempting zone.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. In the vicinity outside off, Shafiq points his bat skywards to make a leave.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Another one strangled down the leg side, Babar once again fails to put that away.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Rankin is struggling a bit to find right lines. Slips one down leg and Azam can't make any connection.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Doesn't get carried away, that is what you want from a batter in this format. Defends it down on the off side.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. FOUR! This is even better! Growing in confidence! Boyd goes short, goes wide and goes for a boundary. Azam slaps it square on the off side and it beats the man at point with utmost ease. Back-to-back boundaries and that should get Azam going now.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. FOUR! Easy peasy for Azam! He needed a boundary to get into the act and Rankin feeds him with a delicious one. On the pads and he walks across to glance it behind square on the leg side. Stylish!
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Starts his spell with a short of a length delivery outside off, dabbed with an open face of the bat, finds gully.
Boyd Rankin is brought into the attack for the first time in this session.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Strayed on the pads, it's clipped fine down the leg side for a single. He's off the mark, Babar.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Leans across and meets this fuller length delivery with a compact defense.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Beaten! Fullish in length and outside off, Azam presses ahead to defend but this one shapes away and beats the outside edge.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Gets across to a fuller ball and clips it towards the man at mid-wicket.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Tucks this back of a length delivery around the corner for a single.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Shot! Short of a length ball outside off, crunched off the back foot through the gap at cover. Sluggish outfield means that he will have to settle for three runs.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Angles in a fuller delivery on the pads, Shafiq clips it towards mid-wicket.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. This one is served outside off, Asad Shafiq has got nothing to do with that one.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Overpitched on off, driven nicely but straight to the man at cover.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Length ball on middle, answered with a straight bat.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Just over the slip cordon! What bounce for Thompson! This one just took off. Shafiq hangs back in the crease to keep it out but is taken aback by the extra lift off the surface. Gets a thick edge which flies over the slip cordon for a streaky boundary.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Fuller and angling in on middle and leg, Tim Murtagh gets across to flick it away but it goes off the pads past the keeper and they run two leg byes.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Outside off, left alone.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Now a huge shot for an LBW! This one decks back in from outside off, Azam fails to put bat on ball and wears it on the pads. The umpire, however shakes his head to the appeal that has been raised. Impact was outside the line, I reckon!
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Edgyyyy! On a length and around off, it straightens a touch and squarer Azam up completely. Babar has a poke at it and edges one towards gully but luckily for him it lands short of the man there.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. A bit fuller in length and hurled on middle, Babar brings his bat down and pushes it to the man at mid on.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Harmless length delivery outside off, Azam lifts his bat to let it be.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. This one moves away just a touch, Shafiq presses ahead and defends it down well.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Good length around off, pushed towards cover.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Leans forwards a touch and pushes it with an angled blade to point.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Thrashed! Poor delivery and duly punished! Short of a length delivery, wider outside off and it's a hit-me delivery. Asad Shafiq gets on top of the bounce as he latches onto this one. Cuts it fiercely behind point for a blazing boundary.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Stands tall to a back of a length delivery and stabs it out.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Short of a good length delivery outside off, Asad hops a touch and taps it down on the surface.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Could have been a maiden for Tim but he drifts one down the leg side. Shafiq helps it down to fine leg to keep strike.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Once again delivers a fuller length delivery, Shafiq presses forward and pushes it towards cover. Wants a single but it is not on.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Fuller and angling in on middle, wristed towards the man at mid on.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Keeps it full and on the stumps, it's pushed back in the direction of the bowler.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Slightly fuller and served on off, driven straight to the cover fielder.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Pitches it up on middle and off, defended down into the ground.
Babar Azam is the new man in.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. OUT! That's a good low catch from William Porterfield! Perfect start for Ireland after the Lunch break as they break the 58-run stand. Thompson provides the breakthrough. He drops it a bit short and angles it wider outside off. Could have easily left it alone but Sohail for some reason has a feel for it away from the body. The ball catches the outside edge of his bat and flies low towards gully where the Irish skipper bends forward to grab it inches above the ground. Stuart runs towards the slip cordon in delight as he opens his account in Test cricket.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. A bit short and around middle and off, Sohail stays back in defense.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Nipping back in on middle and leg, Haris gets across and clips it off the pads behind square on the leg side for a comfortable couple.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Angles it away outside off, shouldered arms to.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Drops it on a back of a length outside off, Sohail punches it towards cover.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Slants it away on a fuller delivery, Sohail tries to drive it through the line but fails to get any wood on it.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. No ball! Good length ball on middle and leg, tucked in front of the square leg fielder. Stuart has overstepped and hence it's called as a no ball.
Stuart Thompson will run in from the other end.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Nicely lunges forward and across and works it to the man at short mid-wicket.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Fuller ball on middle and leg, Shafiq squirts it off the inner half to square leg.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Beaten! Fuller delivery, shaping away a touch, Shafiq presses ahead to defend as he has a tentative poke at it. Is lucky not to edge one behind.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Coming back in on middle and leg, clipped a bit uppishly through backward square leg for a single. First run of the session.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Good line! Tempting delivery, in the channel outside off, Haris makes a watchful leave.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Fuller in length from over the wicket, around middle and leg, Sohail prods ahead and bunts it back to the bowler.
We are back after the break. Asad Shafiq and Haris Sohail will continue their innings. Tim Murtagh will start the proceedings in this session for the home side. Two slips and a gully in place. Here we go...
... Day 2, Session 2...
An excellent recovery by Pakistan has seen the session end on equal terms. It all started brilliantly for Ireland after winning the toss and electing to have a go with the ball. Their new ball bowlers, Rankin and Murtagh justified their captain's decision by sending both the openers back in the hut early. But then Sohail and Shafiq joined forces and battled through the tough period. Once the ball got old, the two found run-scoring easy and have stitched an unbeaten 54-run stand to not let the hosts run away with the show. Pakistan would want these two to continue and make it a big one. Ireland, on the flip side, will hope to break this stand and create further inroads. Join us for the second session in a while.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Excellent effort in the field! A length ball on off, it shapes away a touch. The batsman tries to keep it out but the ball flies off the edge through backward point. Murtagh from the slip cordon, hares after it and at the very last moment pushes it back into the field. Saves a run for his side. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 2!
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. A good short ball on middle, Sohail ducks under it.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Shortish this time, the batsman rocks back and blocks it comfortably.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. On a length and outside off, the batsman lets it be.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Another length delivery on off, Haris defends it onto the ground.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Back of a length on off, kept out off the back foot.
Kevin O'Brien to Asad Shafiq. The batsman gets a bottom edge of the bat on that one.
Kevin O'Brien to Asad Shafiq. Shortish and outside off, Asad gets on top of the bounce and places his cut shot through point to collect a brace. The fifty-run stand is up and it is a vital one for Pakistan as the two walked out when their team was in trouble. Good recovery!
Kevin O'Brien to Asad Shafiq. Kevin has not got it right here. He bowls this one down the leg side.
Kevin O'Brien to Haris Sohail. Down the leg side, swinging away further. The keeper dives to stop it but only manages to get a hand to it. The batsmen run a bye.
Kevin O'Brien to Haris Sohail. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Kevin O'Brien to Haris Sohail. On a length around off, Sohail blocks it out.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Poor ball on the pads, Sohail works it around the corner for a run.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Hits the length around off, Sohail is watchful in defense.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Back of a length on off, kept out.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Errs in line and pays the price. On the pads, flicked through square leg and the ball races away.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. On a length but once again the line is outside off. Left alone.
Kevin O'Brien to Asad Shafiq. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Kevin O'Brien to Asad Shafiq. The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact. The umpire has signalled a wide.
Kevin O'Brien to Haris Sohail. On the pads, tucked around the corner for another run.
Kevin O'Brien to Haris Sohail. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Kevin O'Brien to Asad Shafiq. Nudged down to fine leg by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Kevin O'Brien to Asad Shafiq. On a length this time, gets the ball to bounce a touch more. It also swings away. Asad tries to defend but the ball goes off the top portion of the bat and on the bounce to gully.
Kevin O'Brien to Asad Shafiq. Fullish on off, the batsman drives it to mid off.
Kevin O'Brien is back on.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Another ball outside off, the batsman does not fiddle with it.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Wide outside off, left alone.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Fullish in length and outside off, left alone.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Down the leg side, worked around the corner for a run.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. On the middle stump, Asad gets right behind the line and keeps it out.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. On the pads, Asad works it to mid-wicket.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Shorter in length and outside off, Sohail punches it through covers and bags a brace. So runs now coming quickly here for Pakistan.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Hits the length hard on off, Sohail blocks it.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Wrong line! On the pads, Sohail loves it there. He flicks it through square leg for a brace.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Driven through mid off by the batsman.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Fuller in length on middle, it is driven back to the bowler.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Good running! On a length around middle, the batsman taps it towards cover and gets to the other end.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Shorter in length on off, Sohail punches it to point. That was right from the middle but straight to the fielder.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Fullish on middle, Haris flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Fuller in length on off, defended solidly.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. On a length around middle, defended back to the bowler.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Back of a length on off, kept out by the batsman off the back foot.
Stuart Thompson to Haris Sohail. Fullish in length. The ball does shape back in but it is bowled outside off. Sohail makes a leave.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Comes forward to a fuller ball and blocks it out to the cover region.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Outside of, easily left alone.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Good delivery! In the channel outside off, Shafiq presses ahead to defend but this one shapes away to beat the outside edge.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Good length ball outside off, Shafiq shoulders his arms to that one.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Slapped hard! A bit short and served with a lot of width outside off. Shafiq makes the most of it as he cracks it through point for a boundary.
Tyrone Kane is back on.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Works it through square leg with the angle for a run.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Very wide outside off, almost a wide but this time the umpire does not signal one.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Fullish on off, pushed to covers.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Slashed and slashed hard! Short and outside off, Shafiq throws the kitchen sink at it. He gets an outside edge which goes over the slip cordon and into the third man fence.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Very wide outside off. The batsman makes a leave. It was so wide that the umpire signals it as one. Not often do you see a bowler has been signaled for a wide in a Test game.
Stuart Thompson to Asad Shafiq. Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman.
Stuart Thompson comes into the attack.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. A couple to end the over! A little too full this time on off, the batsman strokes it through covers for a brace.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. Fuller on off, Sohail drives it through covers for a brace.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. Outside off, left alone.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. Down the leg side, Sohail misses the flick.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. Outside off, the batsman makes a leave.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. This was better from the bowler. He bowls it a little too close to the off pole but the batsman does not play at it. A maiden but not a threatening one.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Another outswinger but once again it is outside off. Shafiq plants his front foot forward and makes a leave.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Fuller in length on off, defended.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Better from the bowler. He attacks the stumps this time. Asad defends it onto the ground.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Fuller and swinging away. Shafiq makes a leave.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Too wide outside off, the batsman need not go after that one.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. On a length outside off, Sohail makes a confident leave. The two batsmen out there look well settled now.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Works it around the corner for a run.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Down the leg side, Shafiq misses the flick. The ball goes into the mitts of the keeper.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Another leave as the bowler bowls it too wide outside off.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Outside off and left alone.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Good length around middle, the batsman tries to tuck it away but misses to get hit high on the thigh pad.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Back of a length on off, it is pushed towards cover. The fielder there makes a half stop and a single is taken.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Good length on off, defended.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. EDGED BUT FOUR! Pakistan will take it anyway it comes as run-scoring has not been easy for them. Full and on off, this one shapes away a touch. Shafiq goes for the drive but the ball takes the outside edge and goes through backward point for a boundary.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Three runs! This is fuller and on off, Sohail pushes it through covers. Due to the rain yesterday, the outfield is a touch slow and hence it does not go all the way. The batsmen run three.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Good length outside off, left alone. Kane is a little wayward, needs to get his line right here.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. This one is outside off and the batsman leaves it alone.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Good length on middle, Shafiq tires to work it across the line but closes the face of the bat a little too early. He gets a soft leading edge towards covers.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Good length on off, kept out.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Down the leg side, Asad misses the flick to get hit on the pads. There is a muted appeal from the bowler but the umpire shakes his head. Going down leg.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Back of a length on off, Shafiq leaves it alone.
Boyd Rankin is back on.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Fuller in length and outside off, Sohail makes second leave in a row.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. This one is way outside off and the batsman need not play at those.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Length ball outside off, left alone.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. Goes full again on off, Sohail drives it to mid off.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. FOUR! A little too full and Kane pays the price. A half-volley on off, Sohail times it through mid off and there is no stopping that one. So two boundaries for Ireland in space of three balls.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! This should break the shackles now! Fuller in length on off, Shafiq just leans into it and strokes it through mid off for a boundary.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. This one is angled into the pads, Shafiq works it to short leg.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. This time it is outside off, Shafiq leaves it alone.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Play and a miss again! The swing here is troubling the Pakistan batsman. On a length around off, this one shapes away a touch. Shafiq prods forward to keep it out but gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. This one shapes in a touch and it is bowled on a length. Sohail tries to block it but it goes off the inner half towards fine leg for a run.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Good length outside off, left alone by the batsman.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Looks to tap and run but the cover fielder is quick to attack the ball and deny them. A maiden for Kane.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Is rightly behind the line and stabs it out with a compact defense.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Beauty of a delivery! Lands it on a length around off, it straightens a touch. Shafiq stays back to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge. So close...
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. In the channel outside off, Asad makes a good leave.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Gets across to an outswinger and dabs it away towards gully.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Fuller and curling away sharply, the line is outside off which allows Shafiq to make an assured leave.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Back of a length outside off, pushed off the back foot towards point. Tidy over!
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Short of a length delivery, closer to off stump, Sohail makes another leave.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Gets right behind the line of this one and blocks it out solidly.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Sees the line outside off and makes a good leave.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Beaten again! Fullish again, moving away a bit, Haris once again lunges forward to have a feel and is beaten all ends up.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Slants it away on a fuller length outside off, Sohail presses forward to defend but the ball leaves him to beat the outside edge of his bat by just.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Gets forward and across to a fuller ball and blocks. A good first over from Kane.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. That's the fourth leave in a row. Outside off, nothing doing, says Asad.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Keeps it on a fuller length outside off, nicely shouldered arms to.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Another one sprayed a touch wider outside off, easily left alone once more.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. Good length delivery outside off, left alone.
Tyrone Kane to Asad Shafiq. No run.
Tyrone Kane to Haris Sohail. No ball to begin with! Short of a length delivery outside off, Sohail taps it in front of cover and hares across for a quick single. Kane has overstepped and hence will have to reload it.
Tyrone Kane into the attack now.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. End of a wicket maiden.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. BEATEN! This has been a brilliant over! Actually a brilliant bowling display by the two bowlers. This is on a length and around off, once again it shapes away. Shafiq hangs his bat out and gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Edged but short! The Ireland players have their tails up. This is on a length around off, it shapes away a touch. Shafiq tries to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and falls just short of gully who dives forward and collects it.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Outside off, Shafiq makes a confident leave.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Almost a third wicket. A direct hit was needed there. This length ball is pushed towards point by Shafiq. The non-striker wants a run but is sent back by his partner. The fielder there has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Replays show had he hit, Sohail was well short.
Asad Shafiq is the next man in.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. OUT! Two-in-two for Ireland. What a start to Test cricket for them. They have sent both the openers back in the hut now. It is the inswinger which does the trick this time. Full and tailing back in late. Imam tries to keep it out but does not account for the inward movement. He misses and the ball hits him on the pads right in front of the stumps. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Remember, there is no DRS available for this series so if it's given out by the on-field umpire, it will remain the same. The debutant walks back cheaply and Pakistan in a spot of bother here.
Haris Sohail walks in at no. 3.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. OUT! Edged and taken! Boyd Rankin draws first blood for Ireland in Test cricket. What a delivery to bowl. Bounce, movement off the pitch and it gets rid of the dangerous Azhar Ali. Rankin lands it on a length around off, the ball shoots off the surface and also straightens a touch. Ali hops and tries to keep it out off the back foot but is squared up. The ball takes the outside edge and goes into the hands of second slip. Porterfield there makes no mistake. An early wicket for Ireland and they are all pumped up.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. Good length again on off, Ali guides it to gully. The Irish bowlers have kept it nice and tight until now.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. On leg stump, Imam nudges it through square leg and gets to the other end.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. On middle stump, Imam works it across the line but finds the mid-wicket fielder.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Shortens his length on off, Imam stands tall and blocks it out.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller in length on off, Imam pushes it back to the bowler.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Goes back to bowling it outside off and on a length. Ali does not fiddle with it.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Bowls it a little too straight and pays the price. Ali flicks it through mid-wicket and runs two.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Third leave in a row! The outswinger but from outside off. Ali shoulders his arms to it.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Closer to the off pole this time but not close enough to make the batsman play.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. This is way outside off, left alone.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. On a length around off, kept out.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. A bumper to finish! Good change in length there by the bowler. Imam though was up for it as he evades it well.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. Down the leg side, Azhar tries to flick but once again fails to play that shot. The ball hits his pads and goes down to fine leg. The batsmen take a run and the umpire signals a leg bye.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. Length ball outside off, left alone.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. Again hits the length hard and also gets it to straighten. Azhar tries to block but gets an outside edge which goes on the bounce to gully.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length on off, Imam tries to block it but it goes off the inner half towards fine leg for a single.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. On a good length and just outside off, Ali presses forward and pushes it off the outer half of the bat towards gully.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Drifting a bit around leg, clipped off the pads down to fine leg for a single.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Back of a length around middle and off, shows a straight bat.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Nicely driven! What a way to announce you name as a Test cricketer. Overpitched on off, Imam bends his back knee, leans ahead to the pitch of the delivery and unfurls a cracking cover-drive. It speeds away to the fence for a boundary, first one of the Test.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Slightly fuller and around middle and off, pushed firmly back to Murtagh who mimes a throw back at the batsman.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. On a good length and around middle and leg, defended nicely off the front foot back to the bowler.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. Good length on middle, Azhar taps it towards mid-wicket. He wants a run but seeing the fielder get to the ball quickly, the non-striker sends him back in time. Good call, there was never a run there.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. It is bowled outside off, Ali need not play at those.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. Outside off, the batsman need not play at those.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. Goes fuller this time and attacks his stumps, Azhar though gets his bat down in time.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. Good length outside off, Azhar makes a leave.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length on off, Imam pushes it towards covers and wants a run but is sent back. He will be eager to get off the mark here.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. NOT OUT! Imam is in but clever from the keeper there. Murtagh lands it on a length around off, it shapes away a touch. Imam lunges forward to defend but gets beaten. He is wandering outside his crease and Niall spots that. He underarms a throw at the stumps at his end and hits. However, Imam seems to have got back in time. The umpires go upstairs to check and replays show Imam-ul-Haq is well in.
Smart work from the keeper! Has he found Imam short of his crease? They have gone upstairs to check.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Walks down the track to negotaite the swing. Ali taps it towards cover-point for a quick run.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Length ball around off, Ali lunges and blocks it out.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Nicely bowled! This one comes in a touch from the off pole. It tails back in late. Azhar tries to keep it out but misses to get hit high on the pads.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. This is even wider outside off, Imam makes another leave.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. A little too wide outside off, the batsman need not play at those.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length on off, the southpaw keeps it out off the back foot.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Hits the length hard on off, gets it to bounce a little extra due to his height. Imam makes a leave.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller this time but does not get any movement. Imam defends the ball which is on off stump towards covers.
Boyd Rankin to Azhar Ali. Not the ideal line to start off with as he bowls this one down the leg side. Ali misses the flick, the ball brushes the pads and goes towards fine leg. The batsmen run a leg bye.
Boyd Rankin will bowl from the other end.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. He ends it well. Lands it on a length around off, Imam defends it solidly.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Bowls the outswinger this time by landing it on off. Imam once again pokes at it but gets beaten. A good opening over by Murtagh so far.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Good delivery and it is a good leave. It is bowled on a length around off, comes back in a touch. Imam trusts the bounce of the wicket and makes a good leave as the ball goes over the off pole.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Goes fuller in length on middle, Imam lunges and pushes it to mid off.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Play and a miss! Good use of the angle by the pacer. He lands it on a length around off, it slants away from the batsman. Imam has a feel for it and gets beaten.
The physio is out to have a look. Does not really look good at the moment. Not to forget it is his debut today. The ice pack is now out and it is being applied on his neck. The good thing is now he is up on his feet and he seems good enough to continue.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. A collision on the first ball and it is a bad one. Imam-ul-Haq is down on the ground. Murtagh bowls a yorker on off. Ali jams it out towards the leg side and the batsmen go for a run. Imam dives to get back in but he is sandwiched by two players, the keeper who tries to kick the ball onto the stumps and the fielder who comes running in from point.
We are all set for the action to begin. The players make their way out to the middle along with the umpires. The two openers for Pakistan are Azhar Ali and Imam-ul-Haq. The former will be on strike and he will face Tim Murtagh who will bowl the first over for Ireland in Test cricket. Here we go...
TOSS - Ireland win the toss and elect to bowl first.
They are up against a Pakistan side which is facing a downward spiral in the red ball cricket. They were placed at the no. 1 spot in the Test rankings sometime ago but now have slipped to 7th on the table. They still are a formidable unit though and they head into this contest as clear favorites but a surprise is something you can't rule out. Welcome to the coverage of the first and only Test between the two in Dublin.
After rain played spoil sport on the first day, we have a good news for you today. It is bright and sunny at the moment and we expect a full day of cricket. The wait is over for the Irish fans as they will finally witness their country playing the Test cricket for the first time. They would want to prove their mettle and show the world they belong amongst the elites.
Not a lot to write about the Ireland batting. Nobody could cope with the swing and the spin of the Pakistan bowlers. Kevin O'Brien did look good while he was batting but he too fell 10 short of a fifty. He was their highest scorer. They trail by a massive 180 runs and are way behind in the game. We still have 26 overs left in the game and the away side will look to get a few scalps tonight itself. We will be back shortly.
Pakistan have enforced the follow-on! Tell you what, they have done so for the first time in 16 years! That should be some record! Summary - The Pakistan bowlers have done an excellent job. It took them only a little more than a session to bundle the Irish batsmen out. Mohammad Abbas, Shadab Khan were the pick of the bowlers with the spinner getting 3 and the pacer finishing with four. They were well supported by Amir who also picked up two of his own.
Shadab Khan to Tim Murtagh. OUT! Gone! Ireland's first innings with the bat in a Test match doesn't turn out to be the way they would have liked. Shadab Khan gets a 3-fer. Quicker through the air, Murtagh looks to block it but gets a thick inside edge towards short leg. Imam-ul-Haq stationed there is sharp as a hawk and makes no mistake. IRELAND ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 130!
Shadab Khan to Tim Murtagh. Drifting in on middle and leg, kept out watchfully.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. FOUR! He does not get a single but gets three more than that! Full and outside off, Wilson slashes at it. The ball takes the outside edge and goes over gully for a boundary. Pakistan won't mind that as Murtagh is on strike.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Shortish and outside off, Wilson tries to be a touch expansive as he goes for a cut by making room but does not connect. One ball to go, Wilson will be looking for a single here. Can he get it?
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Fuller outside off, this one shapes back in. Wilson goes for a drive but does not account for the movement into him. He is beaten on the inside.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Length outside off, the batsman makes a leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Fuller on off, driven back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Lands it on a length around off, it is defended.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Fires it on the pads, Wilson works it around the corner for a run. The good thing for Ireland is he will keep strike.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Slower through the air outside off, Wilson lets it be.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. FOUR! Poor ball and put away! This is short and outside off, the batsman rocks back and cuts it through short third man and the ball races away. 36 more needed to avoid the follow-on.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Flighted ball on off, kept out.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Loopy ball on off, it is defended.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. FOUR! Brings in the innovation and is rewarded with a boundary! Goes for the reverse sweep, connects well and sends it through short third man for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Good length on middle, it is pushed towards mid on for a quick run.
Mohammad Abbas to Tim Murtagh. Good field placement by Sarfraz. He has kept a third man in place and this goes exactly to him as Murtagh edges it. The batsmen take a run.
Mohammad Abbas to Tim Murtagh. Shortish and outside off, Murtagh swings but misses.
Mohammad Abbas to Tim Murtagh. FOUR! Murtagh shows he can hold the bat too! Short and on middle, Murtagh takes on the challenge of pulling it. He connects well and the ball races through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Tim Murtagh. Good length on off, pushed towards covers.
Mohammad Abbas to Tim Murtagh. Good length outside off, left alone.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. FOUR! This time he connects with the sweep well, finds the gap and the ball races away to the square leg fence. Wilson now has to look to score here.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Comes down the track a bit too early. Seeing that Shadab shortens the length, the batsman adjusts and defends it.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Floats it up on off, kept out.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Flights it on off, Wilson once again goes for the sweep shot. He misses. The ball hits the pads and goes towards first slip. There is a muted appeal from the bowler but nothing from the umpire.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Plays the sweep shot but straight to the fielder at backward square leg.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. OUT! Inside edge and taken! Finally the frustrating stand for Pakistan has been broken. Ireland are nine down now. On a length around off, Rankin goes for the booming drive away from his body. The ball shapes in a touch, takes the inside edge and goes into the gloves off the keeper.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Fuller and on middle, Rankin drives it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Another ball on a length around off, Rankin comfortably defends it.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Shorter in length on off, it is pushed to covers.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Bowled on a length around off, the batsman lets it be.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Fuller in length on off, defended towards covers.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. The googly, Wilson picks it and tucks it towards mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Lofts this loopy ball over the bowler's head for a run.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Flighted ball on off, Rankin keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. DROPPED! Shadab should have taken that and he has also got a good pair of hands. He floats this up on off, Rankin hits it hard back towards the bowler. Khan gets two hands to it but can't hang on. He will be disappointed with himself.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Slower through the air on off, it is driven through covers for a run.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Loopy leg spinner outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Length again outside off, Rankin tries to force it through the off side but gets beaten.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. FOUR! Nicely played! This is on the pads, Rankin flicks it fine through the leg side for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Another stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. On a length around middle, Rankin tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. FOUR! Streaky but Ireland will take it! These are handy runs for the home side. On a length and around off, it straightens. Boyd tries to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes through the slip cordon for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. On the pads, the batsman misses the flick to get hit on the pads.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. A bumper on middle, the batsman ducks under it.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. The leg spinner on off, Wilson defends it.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Shorter outside off, the batsman chops it towards point for a run.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Tucks it around the corner with the turn.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Very full on middle, it is jammed out to the bowler.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. A huge appeal but not given! The leg spinner on off, Boyd plays for the non-existent turn and misses. It hits him on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Looked very close.
Shabad Khan to bowl from the other end.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Well left! This one first angles into off and then leaves the batsman. Wilson first thinks of playing at it but then lets it be.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. First run of this session! On middle, tucked around the corner for a run.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Good length on off, the batsman keeps it out.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Length delivery and on middle, Rankin tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. A loosener to start off with. Wide outside off, the batsman lets it be.
Out come the players for the last session. 38 overs to go, so we can expect a long one. Boyd Rankin and Gary Wilson will continue their innings. Mohammad Abbas will start the proceedings for Pakistan. Here we go...
...Day 3, Session 3...
A session which has yet again been dominated by Pakistan. The Irish batsmen looked clueless in testing conditions, both against pace and spin. Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers as he bamboozled the hosts with his wide array of variations. It was only Kevin O'Brien who played a gutsy knock. The home side still needs 66 runs to avoid the follow-on but it seems highly unlikely. Join us shortly for the final session.
Haris Sohail to Gary Wilson. Shorter in length, cut away towards backward point. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 3!
Haris Sohail to Gary Wilson. Slow through the air outside off, played with soft hands towards slip.
Haris Sohail to Gary Wilson. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Haris Sohail to Gary Wilson. Shorter in length, Gary hangs back and cuts it towards point.
Haris Sohail to Boyd Rankin. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Haris Sohail to Boyd Rankin. Floated outside off, defended solidly off the front foot.
Haris Sohail is brought into the attack.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Leg bye! Spinning down leg, catches Rankin's pad and rolls to the leg side. A single taken.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. That's a peach! Sharp googly on middle, too good for the lanky batsman and beats him all ends up.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. That was close! Tossed up on middle, spinning down. Rankin comes forward to block it but misses to get hit on the front pad. An animated appeal follows but the umpire doesn't budge.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Tries to drive this one but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Shorter in length, Rankin defends it off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Camps back to the short of a length delivery and defends it stoutly.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. On a length on middle and leg, tucked off the back foot to the leg side.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Wide! Dug in short but it is wayward this time, Wilson ducks under it with ease. One bouncer for the over signaled by the umpire.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. How unlucky is Amir not to get a wicket off that delivery? A pinpoint yorker, tailing in substantially. Ranking is late to bring his bat down but somehow manages to get an inside edge past his leg stump towards fine leg. A run taken.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. On a good length outside off, played with an open bat face towards point.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Length delivery around off, kept out with minimal foot movement.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Four byes! Sharp short ball, it rises too high. Rankin takes evasive action as the ball goes past him. The keeper leaps but the ball goes past him and reaches the fence.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Hangs back to the shorter delivery and punches it towards covers.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Tossed up ball, kept out watchfully.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Driven through mid off by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. An appeal for an LBW is turned down! Fullish and quick in pace, Rankin tries to defend it but is hit on the pads. Pakistan appeal but the umpire stays put. That was going down leg.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Turning in from outside off, Rankin tries to clip it away but is hit on the thigh pad.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Shaping away from Wilson as he lets it be.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Outside off again, Wilson lets it be.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Fuller in length, eased off the front foot to covers.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. On a good length outside off, third leave in a row.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. In the zone outside off, Gary doesn't flirt with it.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Outside off, left alone.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. That ball has taken the inside edge onto the pads. They pick up a single.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. FOUR! A really tough chance goes down! You are lucky if those stick. Tossed up outside off, Wilson goes for a drive with hard hands but gets an outside edge. The ball ricochets off Sarfraz's pad and goes past the slip fielder in a flash.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Quicker one, takes the outside edge of Rankin's bat and goes towards third man. A run taken.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball but fails.
Shadab Khan to Boyd Rankin. Four Byes! That missed everything! Slow through the air around off, Wilson goes for a big hit down the ground but has left a big gap between his bat and pad. The ball sneaks through it and deceives the keeper to reach the fence.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Shorter in length outside off, punched through covers for a run.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Full, fast and swinging in, Rankin is up to it as he dead-bats it.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Back of a length ball around off, Rankin stands tall and taps it to covers.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Fuller length ball around off, Boyd strides ahead and pushes it to the cover region.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. A close shave! On a length, tailing in prodigiously. Ranking tries to defend it but is late. Is hit flush on the front pad as Amir goes up in a vociferous appeal. The umpire stays put. The replays indicate that it was sliding down leg.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. On a length on the pads, worked away nicely through square leg to pick up a couple of runs.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Slow through the air, defended solidly off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. That's a ripper! Gives this one a lot of revs and bowls it on middle, Wilson strides forward to defend but the sharp away turn catches him off guard.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Continues to toss it up, Gary blocks it out.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Similar delivery, Wilson strides forward and deals it with nicely.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Tossed up delivery, Wilson strides ahead and defends it nicely.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Brilliant yorker on middle, Rankin is alert to it and does well to block it.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Full ball outside off, tapped to point.
Boyd Rankin strides out to bat.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. OUT! Ireland are falling like a pack of cards! The mainstay has to make the long walk back now. Fullish delivery outside off, angling across. O'Brien goes for a booming drive but doesn't bother to keep it down. Imam-ul-Haq is safe as a house and takes a nice catch. A good knock comes to an end.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Driven through the covers by the batsman.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller in length outside off, O'Brien leans into it and pushes it to covers.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Hangs back to the short of a length delivery and keeps it out.
Mohammad Amir is back on.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Quicker one this time, tucked to square leg.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Brilliantly bowled! Slow through the air, spinning away sharply. Wilson prods forward to defend but is beaten all ends up.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Back of a length outside off, punched off the back foot to the cover region.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Slips in the googly, Gary reads it well and keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Quicker one outside off, stays low as well. Wilson gets deceived and misses his cut.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Shortish ball around the rib-cage area, Wilson hops and works it to square leg for a quick run.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. This one is wide outside off, Wilson has got nothing to do with it.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Fullish delivery around off, Gary strides forward and blocks it out.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Angling across sharply from Wilson. He doesn't fiddle with it.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. On a length, angling across Kevin. He dabs it to third man to rotate strike.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Slightly overpitched around off, Kevin O'Brien drives it towards mid off.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Floated delivery, kept out in a good manner.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Too short this time, slapped to deep cover to rotate strike.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Slow through the air, dealt with expertly off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Leans ahead to the tossed up ball and defends it nicely.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. A stifled appeal for an LBW turned down! Slips in the googly and it turns in sharply, Kevin lunges to block it but is hit on the pads. The umpire stays put to the appeals. It was sliding down leg.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Short ball on off, pulled nicely to deep backward square leg for a run.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Loose from O'Brien! Full length ball outside off, luring Kevin to drive. He goes for a booming drive but gets beaten.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length ball on middle and leg, trying to tuck the batsman up. O'Brien hangs back and blocks it stoutly.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Good running! On a length outside off, Wilson drives it towards covers and steal a swift single.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller in length in line of the stumps, Kevin looks to play it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The batsmen sneak in a run.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. On a length around off, kept out.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Loopy ball on off, Wilson lunges and keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Flatter and outside off, the batsman leaves it alone.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. FOUR! Clever shot! Knew there was nobody at fine leg. He goes down on one knee and sweeps it fine through the leg side for a boundary.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman gets an inside edge and the ball hits him on the pads.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. On a length around middle, Wilson tries to defend but gets an inside edge through square leg for a run.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Wide outside off, the batsman makes a leave.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. On a length around off, Wilson defends it onto the ground.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. A yorker outside off, the batsman jams it out.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Rahat Ali is back on.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Shorter in length outside off, Wilson pushes it through point for a run.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Loopy ball on off, Wilson lunges forward and tries to keep it out.
Gary Wilson comes out to bat.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. OUT! Second in the over for Shadab. The googly does the trick for him. It pitches and turns back in. Kane has no idea on which way the ball is turning. He goes back and tries to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads and it lobs to second slip who takes an easy catch. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Loopy ball way outside off, left alone.
Tyrone Kane is the next man in.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. OUT! BOWLED 'EM! Thompson has missed a straigth ball. It is bowled on off, he looks to work it across the line which is never a good idea. He pays the price for that and sees the stumps get disturbed. Shadab gets his first and Ireland still trail by another 249.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Loopy ball on off, it turns back in. The southpaw goes for the drive but gets it off the inner half towards short leg.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Good length around off, it is guided towards gully who makes a good stop diving to his left.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Classy! Ashraf bowls it a little too full and Kevin times it through extra cover and it races away.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Length ball outside the off stump. Stirling tries to keep it out but gets beaten.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Shorter in length outside off, O'Brien tries to defend but it goes off the outside edge and through the slip cordon for a boundary.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Length ball on off, it is pushed to mid off.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Length ball around off, it is defended towards covers.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Tosses this one up on off, it is defended.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. A little too short again on off, the batsman punches it to covers.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Slightly on the shorter side. The batsman rocks back and works it through mid-wicket for a run.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Quicker on off, defended.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The googly on off, Kevin lunges and keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Flatter and on the stumps, the batsman defends it out.
Shadab Khan is into the attack.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Full on off, driven to covers.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length on off, it is once again defended onto the ground.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length on off, it is defended.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Beauty! On a length around off, this one takes off after pitching. Thompson tries to defend but is done in by the extra bounce.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Fullish and on off, it is stroked to the man at mid off.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Length around off, guided to point.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Fullish in length on off, it is pushed towards covers for a quick run.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Short and on the body, Kevin pulls it through square leg for a run.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Fullish in length on off, it is driven to mid off.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller delivery on middle, pushed to mid on.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Dabbed away! Waits for the ball to come and then at the very last moment he opens the face of the bat to guide it past gully for a boundary. Deft!
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Stuart looks to drive this away but gets it off the inner half through square leg for a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Short of a length delivery on middle, it's been pulled behind square on the leg side for a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Kevin O'Brien drives this fuller ball straight to mid off.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Fuller on off, driven to the man at covers.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Once again attacks the stumps and the batsman defends it onto the ground.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Fuller in length and on middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket for a run.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Once again goes after a ball which is way outside off, a needless shot. He gets beaten again.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. BEATEN! The batsman fishes for a ball outside off but luckily for him the ball does not take the edge.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. On a fuller length outside off, driven straight to the man at cover.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller and slightly wider on off, blocked solidly off the front foot.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller and on the stumps, jammed out back to the bowler.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Lovely one-handed stop! Short of a good length outside off, O'Brien punches it on the up towards cover but Imam-ul-Haq dives to his right and makes a classy stop.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Hangs back to a harmless length ball outside off, patted into the cover region.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Angling in from a length outside off, a poke and a miss from Kevin.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Fuller and this one shapes away from the southpaw, Thompson pushes it off the outer half towards point.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Taps this length delivery in front of cover and scampers across for a brisk single.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. On middle and off, pushed off the inner half to mid on.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Angling away on a length around off, O'Brien tries to push it away but gets an inside edge on the pads as the ball lobs near the vacant short leg region.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length around middle, blocked.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Good shot! Ahead of a length, served outside off, Kevin leans ahead and unfurls a gorgeous shot through cover, off the middle and it races away.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. A good first over from Ashraf!
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Once again drives it to the mid off region.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Gets forward to a fuller ball and eases it to mid off.
Stuart Thompson is the new man in.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. OUT! That's gone straight up in the air! Faheem Ashraf is having a dream debut Test! Scored runs with the bat and now strikes in his very first over. A nothing shot there from Stirling. Short of a length delivery outside off, Paul half-heartedly goes for a pull shot and that brings his downfall. The ball takes the top edge and balloons high in the air towards mid off where Babar Azam takes a simple catch. The stand that was starting to build has been cut short. Half the Ireland side back in the hut.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. He likes that area, Kevin! Good length ball outside off, Stirling unfurls a square drive through point. Beats the dive of the fielder there and collects a brace.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Begins his Test bowling career with a fuller length delivery outside off, Kevin drives it along the ground towards mid off and calls for a quick single.
Faheem Ashraf, the debutant is brought into the attack now. He had a great time with the bat. Can he emulate with the cherry?
Rahat Ali to Paul Stirling. Stays behind the line and stabs it out.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Slightly ahead of a length outside off, it's punched down to mid off for a single.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Shaping back in from around middle stump line, Kevin tries to work it away but squirts it off the inner half through backward square leg for a couple.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Gets across to a fuller delivery does Kevin and works it towards short mid-wicket.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Strangles down the leg side, a clip and a miss from Kevin.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Right on target! Fuller delivery from over the wicket and curling back in on middle, O'Brien works it to short mid-wicket.
First change for Pakistan. It's the tall Rahat Ali who is brought into the attack.
Mohammad Abbas to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Smashed away! Short of a length delivery outside off, ordinary stuff from Abbas. Paul hits it hard through point and picks up another boundary. 14 off the over, a fruitful one for the Irish!
Mohammad Abbas to Paul Stirling. Oooooo! Brave leave, gotta say! This one is landed outside off and it threatens to come back in, Paul plants his front foot across, knows where his off stump is and then shoulders his arms.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Beautifully played! Another overpitched delivery outside off, O'Brien leans ahead and drives it down the ground past mid off. The sluggish outfield won't fetch him a boundary but they come back for the third. This is turning out to be a good scoring over for the hosts.
Mohammad Abbas to Paul Stirling. Abbas in search of swing to bowl that dream delivery ends up straying on the pads, it dips in on the leg stump. Paul shuffles across and clips it fine down the leg side for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Paul Stirling. Now shuffles across to a delivery angled in and works it with the angle through square leg for a couple more. Stirling is the only Irish batsman so far who has got his feet moving.
Mohammad Abbas to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Shot! Short of a length delivery outside off, Stirling's eyes light up as he sees the width. He gets on top of the bounce and slaps it square on the off side and it blazes away to the fence.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Keeps it full again, coming back in a shade, pushes back to the bowler with a straight bat.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Perfect yorker delivered by Amir! Right into the blockhole, this one tails back in as well, O'Brien just about manages to dig this out. Wasim Akram would be really proud of that delivery for sure.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length around middle and leg, tucked towards mid-wicket.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Presses ahead to a good length delivery and defends it off the outer half towards gully.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Slants it away on a length outside off, tempting delivery. Kevin has a slash at it but gets beaten. Should leave those.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Slightly overpitched outside off, pushed straight to the man at mid off.
Mohammad Abbas to Paul Stirling. Fuller outside off, Stirling taps it towards point and asks his partner to stay there.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Much better from Kevin. This should settle him down. Takes a stride ahead to a fuller delivery and eases it down the ground through mid off. Won't get a boundary but will pick up three runs.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Stays back and blocks it out well.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Inside edgeeee! Nearly another one! Abbas bowls a length delivery outside off, Kevin sans any feet movement tries to hit it through the line but gets a thick inside edge which evades the off stump and races down to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Strays down the leg side, O'Brien tries clipping it away but fails to put any bat on it.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Good length delivery on off, Kevin brings his bat down and defends it well.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Back of a length on off, the batsman rocks back and keeps it out.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Length ball outside the off pole. The batsman makes a leave.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Top shot! Full and on off, Stirling leans into it and strokes it through covers. Due to the slow outfield the batsmen only get two.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Wide outside off, Stirling mistimes his drive to covers.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Almost another one! On a length around off, it stays low. Kevin tries to defend but the ball hits the bottom part and almost goes back onto the stumps. Abbas is on a roll!
Kevin O'Brien walks out to bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. OUT! Another one bites the dust! So the Pakistan bowlers continue to create havoc in the Irish batting line-up. The inswinger on middle, it comes back in. Niall tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. It looked adjacent and replays later on show it was the right decision. Ireland are now staring down the barrel.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Angles this away from the batsman. Niall first thinks of playing at it but then pulls out of the shot.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Fullish on off, it is driven to the man at mid off.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Abbas who is bowling from the other end lands it on a length ball around off, Niall defends it onto the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Another length ball angling across the batsman. He defends it.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Length on off, Stirling defends it onto the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Angles this one away outside off, Stirling lets it be.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. On middle, shaping back in. Stirling tries to defend but the ball goes off the inner half towards square leg for a brace.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Action straightaway as there is appeal for an LBW. Once again it is the inswinger on the pads. Stirling tries to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. The impact was an issue there.
Welcome back for the afternoon session. Out come the players and the umpires. Niall O'Brien and the new batsman, Paul Stirling walk out to the middle. Mohammad Amir will continue his over. Here we go...
... Day 3, Session 2 ...
Ireland still trail by another 305 runs and that looks a long way away at the moment. They need Niall O'Brien and the next batsman coming in to build a huge partnership and steady things after this early dent. Will they be able to do so or will the Pakistan pacers wreak havoc? Join us in a short while for the second session...
What a session for Pakistan! First, the crossed 300 on the board and now are all over Ireland. The Irish batsmen had to bat out around 30 minutes before the first interval but they have lost three and three huge wickets. That just shows it was an excellent call by Sarfraz to declare and it has paid huge dividends. Abbas picked the first two and on the first ball of the last over before Lunch, Amir bowled a cracker to get rid of the Irish captain.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. OUT! Off stump goes for a walk! A brilliant sight for a bowler but not a good one for the batsman. Amir goes wide of the crease and lands it on a length around off, this one shapes back in late. William Porterfield is late to bring his bat down and by the time he does, the ball sneaks through and uproots the off stick apart. Another batsman walks back for a single digit score and Ireland are in a torrid situation at LUNCH, DAY 3!
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. On a length outside off, it comes back in. The batsman makes a leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. On a length around off, defended.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Wide outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. On the pads, O'Brien goes for the flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.
Niall O'Brien walks out to the middle.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. OUT! There goes another one! Once again it's Abbas, he gets his second and this looks plumb to the naked eye. On a length around middle, Balbirnie plants his front foot way too across and tries to hit it down the ground. He misses to get rapped on the pads. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Ireland are two down with nothing on the board.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Outside off, WP shoulders his arms to that one.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Fuller and angling in on middle, worked towards mid on for nothing.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. In the channel outside off, William plays inside the line and gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Drops it around the back of a length mark, a bit close to the off stump channel, nothing doing says, Porterfield.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Gets across to a length delivery and defends it on the leg side.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. On a length and outside off, Porterfield makes an easy leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. NOT OUT! Andy is safe! But a brilliant effort by Imam. What reflexes shown by him. This is on the pads, Balbirnie works it towards short leg. He sets off for a run thinking it will pass the fielder there. He was wrong though as Imam dives to his right, collects the ball and scores a direct hit by flicking the ball at the striker's end. The players appeal as they feel they have got their man. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show Andy is in due to his dive. The Ireland dugout will breathe a sigh of relief as they would not want to lose another now.
Has Imam-ul-Haq pulled out something brilliant? He has scored a direct hit at the striker's end. Balbirnie is the man in question...
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. Closer to the off pole this time but not close enough to make him play.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. Length again on off, Andrew pushes it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. Another length ball outside off, Balbrinie makes another solid leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. Length ball outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. Attacks the stumps on off, Balbirnie lunges and defends it.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Another length ball angling away from the batsman. He makes a leave.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. The batsman works it down the leg side.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. On a length around off, William keeps it out.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Second time in a row! The batsman can just hope he does not edge such deliveries. On a length and angling into the batsman. It straightens after pitching. William tries to keep it out but gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. BEATEN! On a length around off, this one shapes away. William pokes at it and gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. A little wide outside off, Porterfield makes a leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. Back of a length on off, the batsman defends it down onto the ground.
Andrew Balbirnie is the new man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. OUT! Abbas draws first blood! An early wicket for Pakistan. Just the start they needed. This is landed on a length around the leg stump. Joyce shuffles across and tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The players make a huge appeal and the umpire raises the finger. Joyce has to walk back early and the Pakistan players are ecstatic. A harsh call on the batsman there as replays later on show that the ball is marginally pitching outside leg.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Back of a length on off, Joyce keeps it out.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Goes fuller this time and on off, no movement on offer. The batsman strokes it through covers for a run.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. A huge appeal but the umpire shakes his head. An inswinger from Abbas. Porterfield makes a leave but the ball hits him high on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Height was an issue there.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Starts off with a poor ball, down the leg side. Joyce flicks it through square leg and bags three.
Mohammad Abbas to share the new ball from the other end.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. In the channel outside off, Porterfield makes a watchful leave.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Hangs back to a back of a length delivery and keeps it out gently.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. On a length and just outside off, defended towards cover.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Good length delivery outside off, shaping away, a good leave from William.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. And Ireland open their account in Test cricket straightaway! Back of a length delivery from Amir to begin with, Joyce dabs it towards gully where the fielder fumbles and it allows them to take a single.
We still have more than two sessions left and Pakistan are still favorites. They will also back themselves to chase this target down. However, it will be interesting to see their approach as they also have to keep the weather forecast in mind. The Irish bowlers on the flip side, will have to bowl their hearts out if they are to create history here today. Pakistan do have a reputation of collapsing in the second innings. Will we see another today or will their batsmen come to the fore? Join us for the chase to find out.
Ireland though will be extremely pleased with their effort. They started off their innings with a deficit of 180 runs and they required a good start from their openers and they got it. 69 runs were added by the pair of Joyce and Porterfield before the former was run out. Then a couple of quick wickets in between gave the impression that Pakistan would run away with the game. But then came in Kevin O'Brien and he along with Thompson first and then with Kane added two crucial stands which has given his bowlers a total which they can surely think of defending.
So Pakistan have made quick work of the last three wickets and now have to chase down 160, which I must tell you will not be easy. Abbas was the tormentor-in-chief as he got the hero of the Irish innings off his very first ball today and he ended up with a fifer. He has been the pick of the bowlers for them and his figures clearly show that.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. OUT! That is it! Ireland have been bundled out for 339. And yes, Abbas does get a fifer, ninth wicket in the game for him (110 runs scored off him). This is his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket! Mohammad Abbas was the man for Pakistan today as he nipped out all the remaining three wickets. Coming to the ball - It is a length delivery outside off, nips back ever so slightly but it is good enough to induce an inside edge from Kane who looks to punch off the back foot but doesn't move his feet much. The ball crashes into the stumps and the Pakistan players heave a sigh of relief. The visitors were made to sweat hard for their wickets by Ireland in their second essay with the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Already there are some signs of unevenness! Length ball outside off, shoots through after pitching. Kane goes back to cut that, he misses it and the ball goes underneath the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Tim Murtagh. Murtagh stays back and punches it through the vacant point region. Single taken.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. The batsman goes after a wide one and misses.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Risky second run but a poor throw from Shadab allows them to cross over easily! Kane sits back and punches it through the covers. They decide to take the second run and get it eventually.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Good length ball on the stumps, the batsman gets right behind it and blocks.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. No luck for Amir, he bowls a delivery which angles in sharply and moves just a wee bit. The Irish man is beaten as he looks to defend that.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Good length ball on off, Kane shoulders arms to it.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Fullish delivery on off, the batsman plays a drive to the cover region.
Mohammad Abbas to Tim Murtagh. FOUR! Slammed, Murtagh has cleared his intentions straightaway! He gets another one outside off and bashes it back past the bowler. The fielder at mid off had no chance of stopping that one.
Mohammad Abbas to Tim Murtagh. Oh hello! Big swing from Murtagh. Full ball outside off from Abbas and the Irish man swings his bat through the line, but can't connect.
Tim Murtagh is the last man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. OUT! Dragged on! Ninth wicket down for Ireland, Pakistan just need one more to wrap their innings. Indecision from Rankin led to his downfall. He gets a length delivery closer to the off stump and isn't sure whether to leave or to play at it. Fails to lift his bat up in time and the ball catches the inner half of the bat and crashes into the wickets. Fourth wicket for Abbas, can he get a fifer?
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. FOUR! Fine wrist work from Rankin earns him a boundary! Ireland lead goes past 150! Welcome runs for Ireland. Fulle length ball on the leg stump line and he gets whipped away to the square leg boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Touch too straight from Abbas, the batsman glances it away to fine leg for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Abbas starts a new over with a fullish ball. Kane square drives it to point.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Bowls a pitched up delivery which gets defended by Rankin.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Slipping it down the leg side, the batsman doesn't need to play at those.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Sloppy from Pakistan! Rankin dabs a full delivery to the cover region and calls for a quick single. The fielder there has a shy at the striker's end but the throw is a little too wide. It beats the fielder backing up and the batsmen get an extra run.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Fuller length ball outside off. The batsman lets it go.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Oh dear! Once again, Amir goes past the outside edge. He pushes it back a little but the swing is still there. Rankin is beaten all ends up as he looks to defend it.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Top nut from Amir, those are the ones that deserves a wicket! Goes wide of the crease and drifts it in. The ball shapes away after kissing the wicket, too good for Rankin. He is beaten neck and crop.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Bowls a fullish delivery outside off, Tyrone Kane doesn't offer a stroke to it.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Much fuller but again wider of the stumps. The batsman sits back and avoids it.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Length delivery on the stumps, Kane blocks it solidly.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Good delivery, needs to bowl consistently in that channel! Keeps it fuller closer to the off stump. Well judged by Kane. He leaves it with utmost ease.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Easy leave for Kane, he gets a delivery outside off and lets it go comfortably.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Serves up a fullish delivery on the stumps, the batsman defends it with the dead bat.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Good length ball outside off, the batsman decides to leave it.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Full pitch delivery, outside off, Rankin slices the drive to point.
Mohammad Amir to Boyd Rankin. Play and a miss! Amir delivers a short of a length ball on off, swings away a little. Rankin goes back to defend that. He plays down the wrong line and the ball whizzes past the outside edge. Nearly another wicket for Pakistan.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Leg bye! Sharp delivery, dipping in at a good pace, Tyrone goes back to flick that, misses it. The ball hits the thigh pad and rolls towards square leg. Results in a leg bye.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. That one shoots through and the keeper takes it on the second bounce! Fuller length ball miles outside off and the batsman leaves it. Sarfraz does well to collect it.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Amir bowls from wide of the crease, full outside off, the batsman chops it to cover-point
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Slipping down the leg side. Kane closes the face of the bat and works it away to deep square leg. Single taken.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. No ball! Beaten! Beauty from Abbas, but he has overstepped and needs to reload! Short of a length ball, straightens a little, the batsman plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Typical Test match bowling from Abbas. Good length ball on the fifth stump channel, the batsman lets it go.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Length ball outside off and Kane decides to leave it.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Down the leg side, Rankin gets a wood on it and glances to fine leg for a run.
Mohammad Abbas to Boyd Rankin. Full pitch delivery on the leg stump line, the batsman taps it to mid-wicket.
Boyd Rankin is the next man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. OUT! Abbas strikes off is first ball today! End of a superb innings from Kevin O'Brien, he is absolutely livid with himself. It is a disappointing end to what has been an excellent knock! A sucker ball from Abbas does the trick, the batsman couldn't resist that one and he goes after the ball. Reaches out for it as he attempts a cover drive. The ball swings away a little and catches the outside edge. Haris at first slip takes a safe catch. Kevin couldn't add a single run to his overnight total today. The lead for Ireland is 141.
Mohammad Abbas to bowl the second over of the day.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Slightly fuller from Amir in the channel outside off, the batsman shoulders arms to it. End of a tidy but a harmless one.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Incoming delivery from Amir, cleverly disguised it. Kane isn't expecting that one. He goes back to flick that one but misses it. The ball pings him on the thigh pad.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Continues to bowl in the same channel and this time he gets no response from the Irish man.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Touch too wide from Amir, the batsman slices it behind point to deep for a brace. They take two more. That's the 50-run partnership between Kane and O'Brien.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. On a length outside off stump, Kane covers his stumps and lets it through to the keeper.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Amir starts the day with a short of a length ball, angling in from outside off. The batsman stands tall and defends it down the track.
We are all set for the action to begin. The visiting team is out and the fielders are taking their positions. Kevin O'Brien and Tyron Kane are out as well. The all important morning session is just about to begin.
Hello and a warm welcome to our coverage to the final day of the Test. The game is quite nicely poised with all three results still a possibility at this stage and the Irish fans should thank Kevin O'Brien for that. He walked out to bat when his team was in all sorts of trouble. The southpaw registered a maiden test Ton for Ireland and bailed them out. He was well supported by Stuart Thompson and the Tyrone Kane. Pakistan need to strike quickly before they end up conceding too many which they might fail to chase down in the final innings of the game. We are heading towards an exciting finish but the only thing that stands in our way is the weather. The forecast is for some rain later in the day, let's hope we get a full day's play without any interruptions. For the moment, it is bright and sunny at Malahide. Stay tuned for all the action.
... Day 5, Session 1 ...
Smiles were back in the Pakistan dressing room but it didn't last for long as Tyrone Kane then walked in and offered some more resistance with Kevin. They added another crucial 48 runs and swelled the lead to 139. Mind you, they aren't done yet. With the way they are batting, it doesn't seem like they would give it away easily. How many more will they add? Will Pakistan be able to dismiss them early tomorrow? The forecast for Day 5 isn't a good one as heavy rains are predicted but let's hope nothing as such happens and we get to witness an epic end to this historic Test match. Hope to have you on board at 1100 Local (1000 GMT) for the final day's play. Till then, adios. Cheers!
It seemed like Ireland would suffer an innings defeat, but Kevin O'Brien along with Stuart Thompson put all those thoughts to rest as the duo came to the fore and kept Pakistan at bay. They showed immense grit and determination and in the process both scored their respective fifties to take their side into the lead. It required something special to break their association and Shadab Khan produced a ripper to put an end to the 114-run stand.
All the Pakistan players walk towards the centurion O'Brien to congratulate him, lovely gesture shown by the visiting team. A fascinating day of Test cricket comes to an end. Kevin O'Brien, take a bow. He's led the fightback with an absolute gem of an innings to turn this Test around. Who would have thought that when Pakistan enforced the follow-on? Certainly not us. Day 4 began with Faheem Ashraf's brilliance as he ran Ed Joyce out early to give Pakistan their first breakthrough. Mohammad Amir then bowled a deadly spell to push Ireland further on the back foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Almost a wicket off the last ball! How has that missed the off pole? On a length outside off, this one stays low and also jags back in. Kevin tries to defend but the ball goes underneath the bat and close past the off pole. Ahmed takes it on the bounce behind. STUMPS ON DAY 4, IRELAND AHEAD BY 139!
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, kept out.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. A huge appeal but an inside edge saves Kevin. That is the only thing that could have saved him there. On a length around middle, this one keeps low. Kevin tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Almost! This is on a length around off, the batsman tries to defend but the ball hits the bottom edge and is almost rolling back onto the stumps but Kevin kicks it away.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, kept out.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Outside off, the batsman need not play at those.
Mohammad Abbas is back on.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Angles it into the batsman and the gets it to leave him. Kane tries to defend but gets beaten. How many times have we seen that today?
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. The short of a length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Edge and through the vacant second slip area! This is on a length and around off, Kevin lunges and tries to keep it out but the ball takes the outside edge and goes through the vacant second slip area for a boundary.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman gets a bottom edge which goes to the keeper on the bounce.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Good length and on off, Kevin tries to defend but gets a bottom edge which goes to the keeper.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. Lands it on a length from around the wicket. The batsman keeps it out.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. Shortish and outside off, it is cut towards point where the fielder makes a good stop.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. Goes fuller on off, it is driven back to the bowler.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. On middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for a run.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, Kevin defends it.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Down the leg side, the batsman lets it be.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Tries to flick the ball on the pads, but misses to get hit on it.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. It's been driven superbly through the covers.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Works it with the angle through square leg for a run.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Length ball outside off, Kevin defends it off the bottom half.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. DROPPED! A tough chance but Pakistan would have loved it had Shadab taken it! This is full and outside off, Kane goes for a drive away from his body. He hits it uppishly towards point. Shadab there dives to his left, gets two hands to it but can't hang on. The batsmen run a single.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. On middle, worked around the corner for a run.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. A short ball on middle, the batsman quite easily ducks under it.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. Back of a length outside off, it is guided to point.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Full and outside off, it is driven square through the off side for a run.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Full and swinging back in. The batsman tries to drive it through the off side but gets it off the inner half back to the bowler.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Inside edge and FOUR! This is very frustrating for Pakistan! On a length around off, Kevin tries to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and runs down to the fine leg fence.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Goes for an inswinging yorker but the man out there is seeing the ball like a football. He flicks it through mid-wicket and bags a brace.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Play and a miss! Length ball shaping away late. The batsman pokes at it and gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Length outside off, the batsman lets it through.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. A bouncer on middle, the batsman ducks under it.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Good length on off, kept out.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Fuller in length on middle, driven to mid off.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. A huge appeal but turned down! Bowled on a length around off, it jags back in. Kevin hops and tries to tuck it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire says it is too high. The ball rolls onto the leg side and the batsmen run a leg bye.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. A poor ball to end the over! Down the leg side. The batsman lets it be.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. Back of a length on off, kept out.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. Bowled on the pads, Kane misses the flick to get hit on it.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. Another short ball and the batsman once again evades it.
Rahat Ali to Tyrone Kane. A short ball outside off, the batsman ducks under it.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length on middle, it is worked down to fine leg for a run.
Rahat Ali is back on.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Tyrone comes forward and drives it to the fielder at mid off.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Loud appeal for a caught behind! Very full outside off, Kane looks to jam it out but fails to do so. Amir keeps appealing as Ahmed takes it behind but it's turned down by the umpire. The sound was of the bat hitting the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Fullish on off, driven towards cover.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Comes from around the wicket and angles in a length delivery on off, Kane looks to drive but the ball cuts back in, beats the inside edge and goes to Ahmed behind.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Back of a length outside off, Kane taps it towards cover.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Fuller outside off, left alone.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Again full on off, it is eased to mid off.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller in length on off, it is driven back to the bowler.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR LEG BYES! This is poor bowling! Down the leg side again, Kevin misses the flick. The ball brushes the pads and goes down to fine leg for a boundary.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. A yorker on middle, Kevin jams it out.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. On a length around off, this one rises after pitching. Kevin does well to defend it onto the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Tyrone Kane. Outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Kevin pulls it through mid-wicket and takes one.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. There it is! Kevin O'Brien, what a knock! Century in Ireland's first ever Test game. His name will be written in history, deserves every bit of it! Well played. Doesn't get to the milestone as he would have liked but he'll take that. Good length delivery on middle, looks to tuck that one away but it goes off the leading edge over point for a double. Removes the helmet and lets out a huge roar in delight. The Irish crowd is up on its feet to laud the effort of their star batsman!
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Nervous! Good length ball, slanting away, O'Brien has a push at it away from the body but luckily for him the ball doesn't take the outside edge.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length delivery, angling across, pushed off the back foot towards point.
Faheem Ashraf to Tyrone Kane. Hangs back to a back of a length delivery and stabs it out towards cover.
Faheem Ashraf to Tyrone Kane. Another one on a fuller length outside off, left alone with ease.
Faheem Ashraf to Tyrone Kane. Plants his front foot across and then shoulders his arms to make a leave.
Faheem Ashraf to Tyrone Kane. Lunges forward to a full delivery and taps it towards cover. Wants a single but won't get it.
Faheem Ashraf to Tyrone Kane. Good length delivery, angling in on middle, Kane defends it off the front foot.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length delivery outside off, Kevin O'Brien runs it down to third man. On 99 now!
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. The fielding side are asking the question. The Umpire isn't interested in the appeal.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Driven through the covers by the batsman.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Loopy ball driven through covers for a run.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR LEG BYES! The crowd goes up thinking Kevin has got to his ton but the umpire ruins all the fun by signaling it as leg byes. This is on the pads, Kevin misses the flick, the ball brushes the pads and goes down to the fine leg fence.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Down the leg side, the batsman tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls down to fine leg and the batsmen run a leg bye.
Faheem Ashraf to Tyrone Kane. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Faheem Ashraf to Tyrone Kane. Nicely bowled! On a length and angling into the batsman. It leaves him after pitching. The batsman has a poke at it but misses.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, it shapes back. Kevin tries to defend but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket for a run.
Faheem Ashraf is brought back into the attack.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Pushes the ball on off, to covers.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Again on the shorter side, the batsman works it to mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Shorter in length on middle, it is pushed down to long on for a run.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Sloppy effort in the field sees Kevin go upto 95. Down the leg side, Kevin sweeps it towards short fine leg. The fielder there misfields and the ball races to the fence.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The leg spinner from outside leg. The batsman defends it.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. FOUR! SHOT! Any top order batsman will be proud of that one. On a length around off, Kane leans into it and drives it on the up and through the covers for a boundary. The lead now touches 100!
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Down the leg side, the batsman fails to flick. The ball brushes the pads and goes into the mitts of the keeper.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Wide outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. The away swinger now and the batsman leaves it.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Howzzzat? The answer to that question is not out! An inswinger from outside off. It comes back in late. The batsman cannot react in time and hence does not play a shot. The ball hits him high on the pads. The player appeals but the umpire shakes his head.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. A bumper on middle, the batsman ducks under it.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Flatter and on middle, Kane works it around the corner for a run.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. The googly on middle, the batsman defends it onto the ground.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Floats it up on off, the batsman tries to defend but gets an outside edge to point.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Flatter on off, blocked.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. A low full toss on leg stump, it is driven back to the bowler.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Flatter on the pads, Kevin works it through square leg for a run.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Tyrone comes half-forward and drives it to the man at mid off.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Short of a good length outside off, holding its line, Kane has got nothing to do with that one.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller delivery, angling in on middle, O'Brien gets across and works it off the inner half towards mid on for a single and moves into the 90s with that.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Play and a miss! Good length ball outside off, Kevin looks to drive it through the line but gets beaten.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Short of a length outside off, O'Brien stays back and dabs it to the fielder at gully.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Touch fuller in length, served outside off, Kevin drives it to the man at mid off.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Floats it up on middle, it is defended.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Another googly and once again the batsman is hit on the pads as he tries to defend. The players make a huge appeal but once again the umpire shakes his head. Height may have been the issue.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. The googly again on off, it is kept out.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. The leg spinner on off, it is blocked off the back foot.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. The googly on off, the batsman lunges forward to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire stays put. Impact was outside off.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. The batsman plays the square cut. One run added to the total.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. The indipper from outside off, Kane tries to drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Fuller and on middle, the batsman strokes it to mid on.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. Good length again but a little outside off, the batsman makes a leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Tyrone Kane. On a length around middle, Kane defends it off the back foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on middle, the batsman pushes it to mid on and gets a run.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. The googly outside off, Kane makes a leave.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Tyrone Kane. Loopy ball on off, Kane defends it solidly.
Tyrone Kane steps in next to bat.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. OUT! TIMBER! Shadab Khan strikes and finally, finally Pakistan get the wicket that they were desperately waiting all afternoon. A ripper to get rid of Thompson. Khan needed to bowl something special to break the 114-run stand and he does bowl one. Flatter and outside off, it pitches in the rough and turns back in a mile. Thompson goes back and tries to keep it out but the ball skids through and hits the stumps. Shadab is pumped and that ends a fighting knock by Stuart. He walks off to a standing ovation and he deserves every bit of it. Have Pakistan got an opening here? Ireland are effectively 91/7.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Loopy ball on off, it is driven to the man at mid off.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. On a length outside off, defended solidly.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. On a length around off, the batsman pushes it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length on off, it is guided to the mat at gully.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. This one goes the other way and beats the outside edge. On a length around off, this shapes away. Kevin has a feel for it but misses.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Cut him into two there! Brilliant delivery, no luck for the bowler there. This lands on a length and comes back sharply. Kevin tries to defend but the ball goes between bat and pad and over the middle pole.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, it is pushed to the man at covers.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. The googly outside off, Thompson tries to defend but is beaten by the away turn.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Good effort in the deep! Goes for the sweep, connects well and the ball goes towards deep square leg. The fielder there runs to his left and saves three for his side with a dive.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. From around the wicket bowls the leggie on middle, Kevin defends it.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. This was pure class! Leans forward and strokes it with the turn, through covers for a brace.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! STREAKY! He moves into the 80s! Shadab floats it up on off, Kevin tries to drive but it takes the outside edge and goes through short third man for a boundary.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The googly on off, Kevin keeps it out off the front foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Another length ball which is blocked quite easily.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Good length on off, kept out.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Fuller and on middle, it is driven back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Uppish but in the gap! On a length around off, Kevin tries to drive it on the up. It goes uppishly through gully for a run.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, kept out.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Starts off with a peach! On a length and angling into the batsman. It bounces and then straightens. The batsman goes for a drive but gets beaten.
Mohammad Abbas comes on to bowl now. Can he provide the breakthrough?
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Kevin is really picking him well! This is short and outside off, Kevin rocks back and cuts it through point for a run.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The googly stays a touch low. Kevin works it to the man at mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. A full toss on off, it is driven towards mid off for a single.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Flighted ball on off, it is defended off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Loopy ball on off, it is driven to covers.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Shorter in length on middle, it is tucked around the corner for another run.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. On the pads, Kevin tries to work it but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls on the leg side and the batsmen run a leg bye.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length on off, it is defended onto the ground.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Another run! The two are doing it with ease. This is down the leg side, the batsman works it to fine leg for a run.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length on off, Thompson defends it onto the ground.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. FOUR! Crunched! Fifty up in style for Thompson! Also the hundred-run stand is raised between the two. These two have done a superb job and are literally playing the innings to remember. The crowd is up on its feet to applaud this effort. A short ball on middle, Thompson rocks back and pulls it with disdain through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Gives it air again on off, the batsman lunges and keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Flighted ball outside off, it is left alone.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Loopy ball on off, Kevin defends it solidly.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Tosses it up on off, Kevin defends it off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Too easy for Kevin. Down the leg side, he tickles it around the corner and the ball races away to the fence. He moves onto 79.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Ends the over with a bumper, Thompson ducks under it calmly.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Short of a length delivery outside off, Stuart slaps hard but Shafiq at gully makes a lovely stop diving to his left.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Fuller on middle, a mistimed drive to mid on.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Tucks this back of a length delivery through backward square leg to raise the 250 up for Ireland. The crowd erupts as well and the stand is now worth 93 between the two.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. On the fourth stump channel, Kevin O'Brien shoulders his arms.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Angling away towards off, easily left alone.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Spinning in from the rough outside off, ST takes a good stride forward to defend but misses and is hit on the pads.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Floats it up outside off, blocked watchfully.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Goes around the wicket to the southpaw, tossed up outside off, Thompson presses forward in defense.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Drops it short outside off, slapped to sweeper cover for a single.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Googly outside off, Kevin has all the time in the world to go back and punch it back to Khan.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Loopy leg break around middle, Kevin punches it back to the bowler.
Change in bowling as Shadab Khan is called back into the attack.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Harmless delivery outside off, ignored by Thompson.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Keeps it on the stumps, ST gets right behind the line and defends it back to the bowler.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Lands it on a length outside off, nothing doing says, Thompson.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Takes a stride ahead and eases it to the man at mid off.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Outside off, Thompson has got nothing to do with that one.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller and on the leg stump, clipped down to fine leg for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Another beauty from Thompson! Ahead of a length, curling back in sharply, Stuart has a poke inside the line but the ball whizzes just past the outside edge this time. Ireland are having luck on their side.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. On middle and leg, wristed away towards square leg.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Good length delivery, angling in on middle, Stuart looks to flick it away but gets hit on the pads.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. How did that miss the off stump? Amir can't believe it, nor can we! Fuller in length and nipping back in from outside off, Thompson sans any feet movement looks to drive it away but the ball keeps coming in and nearly whizzes past the off stick.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Presses across and guides it wide of the gully fielder for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Good length delivery outside off, Kevin blocks it off the front foot gently.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Short of a length delivery outside off, Thompson looks to play the cut shot but is beaten all ends up.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Good length ball outside off, punched through cover for a brace.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. On a length and this one holds its line, Thompson plays inside the line and gets beaten.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length outside off, Thompson looks to cut but gets a bottom edge towards point.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Wide! Rahat Ali hits the deck hard, the bumper goes well over Stuart's head and it's rightly called as a wide.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Swinging back in on middle, worked off the pads behind square on the leg side for a single.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Good length delivery on off, pushed into the off side off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. FOUR! Shot! A bit of width outside off from Amir and Thompson decides to cash in on it. Cuts it behind point and the fielder had third man had no chance to cut that one off.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Marginally fuller outside off, driven towards mid off for nothing.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. What a delivery! Comes back in from outside off, Thompson has a push at it but this one kicks off the surface and Stuart is taken aback at it. Has a waft at it only to get beaten.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Pounds in a short one, Thompson is happy to duck under it. The umpire signals one for the over.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Slightly short on middle and leg, tucked towards the leg side for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Thompson gets across and tucks it towards square leg for a single.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Huge, huge shout for an LBW! Rahat Ali hurls it around middle and brings it back in appreciably, Kevin is done in by the in-ward movement as he fails to keep it out and nearly falls over towards the off side. Is rapped on the pads and a loud appeal follows. Umpire Nigel Llong, however, shakes his head saying there was an inside edge there.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. On the stumps, clipped through the leg side for a single.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. On a length and outside off, Thompson decides to shoulder his arms but the ball takes the bottom part of his bat and rolls towards the man at second slip.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Wide! Digs in a short one on middle, Thompson ducks under it.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length delivery outside off, dabbed towards the man at point.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Good length ball on middle and leg, tucked through square leg for a single.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller in length and outside off, driven towards mid off.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Thompson stays on the back foot to keep it out.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Stays back and defends it off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Four Leg Byes! Coming back in from a length outside off and catches Thompson high on the pads. The ball goes off the pads and evades the dive of Ahmed behind. Another boundary results. Ireland's lead now crosses 50!
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Short of a good length outside off, slapped hard but finds the man at cover-point.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Good length delivery outside off, pushed to point.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. FOUR! That's a glorious shot! Slightly fuller and served outside off, Stuart Thompson presses ahead and unfurls a cracking drive through extra cover. Made a good sound when the bat connected the ball.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Yorker on the stumps, Kevin does well to bring his bat down at keep it at bay.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length delivery outside off, nicely dabbed down to third man for an easy single.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length and shaping away from off, Thompson looks to put bat on ball but misses.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. FOUR! Delightful stroke! Ali overpitches it on off, Thompson leans ahead and drives it off the carpet through extra cover. Beats the dive of the fielder there and picks up his third boundary of the innings. Lead swells to 44!
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Over backward point! Very full and outside off, Stuart bends his back knee and tries to go hard at it. Gets it off the outer portion of the bat as the ball goes over the leaping backward point fielder for a couple more.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. FOUR! Edged but falls short of the second slip fielder! Comes from over the wicket and lands it on a length outside off, it curls away and Thompson has a poke at it. Gets a thick edge which dips just in front of Asad Shafiq at second slip and races behind. Hands on head for Rahat.
Rahat Ali to bowl from the other end.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Another length ball slanting across the batsman. Kevin quite easily defends it onto the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Fuller in length on middle, Thompson goes for the drive but gets it off the inner half through mid-wicket for a run.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Shorter in length outside off, Kevin guides this down to third man for a run.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Length ball angling away from the batsman. Kevin rocks back and defends it onto the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Good length again on the pads, Kevin misses the flick and gets hit on it.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Starts right on the money! On a length and around off, the batsman defends it onto the ground.
The players make their way out for the final session. We have 38 overs left in the day, so we are in for a long session. Mohammad Amir will start the proceedings and he will be bowling to Kevin O'Brien. Here we go...
... Day 4, Session 3 ...
Good fightback from Ireland as they avoid an innings defeat! The session didn't start on a good note for them as Abbas removed Stirling very early. Amir then nipped out Wilson to bag his 100th Test wicket and once again it seemed like Pakistan will make quick work of the lower order. However, Kevin O'Brien showed immense grittiness and determination to grind it out there as he stroked a hard fought fifty. He has swallowed 120 balls and has got the perfect support from Thompson. The duo has dealt with everything thrown at them and have stitched an unbeaten 55-run stand. The new ball is still just 33 balls old and the Pakistan pacers can still relish it. Will Ireland batters drag this game into day 5? Or the next session will be the last one of the Test? Join us in just a bit to find out...
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Good length delivery on middle, Thompson punches it to mid on. TEA ON DAY 4, IRELAND LEAD BY 32!
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Abbas fires a fuller delivery outside off, Thompson looks to drive it away but squirts it off the outer half behind point for a brace.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Good length delivery on middle, shown a straight bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. In the channel outside off, Thompson is happy to make a leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Fullish on off, Stuart drives it to the man at off.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length delivery outside off, Thompson shoulders his arms.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Edged and away! Brings up the 50-run stand with that! More frustration for Pakistan! Amir is really fuming. Slants it away on the fourth stump line, Kevin leans across to push it away but gets an outside edge which flies past the diving third slip for a boundary towards third man.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Covers the line and shows a straight bat in defense.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. On the pads, worked through the leg side for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Beaten! Angling in at first and then leaving the batsman, Thompson has a poke inside the line and gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Stays back to a length delivery and defends.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Taps it in front of point for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! 200 comes up for Ireland with that one! Fuller and on the pads, O'Brien just helps it on its way down to the fine leg fence. Lead now is 23.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. On a length and outside off, O'Brien lifts his bat to make a leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Beautifully done! A bit too straight on the stumps, O'Brien gets across and flicks it neatly through square leg as the ball races away to the fence.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Little bit short on middle, O'Brien tucks it into the leg side.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Serves it further away outside off, it keeps moving away further, Thompson leaves.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Bowls an away swinger, it shapes away, Thompson has a poke at it but gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Good length delivery, angling across, defended.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Drops it a touch short on middle and leg, tucked towards square leg for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Comes from over the wicket and gets this to nip back in on middle, O'Brien fails to keep it out and is hit on the pads. They appeal but it was pitching outside leg.
Mohammad Amir is unleashed into the attack.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Angles it away on a fuller length, ST goes for a booming drive and is beaten all ends up.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Short of a length delivery on middle, Thompson stays back to defend it down.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Thompson. Leans ahead to a fuller ball and eases it to mid off.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Leg bye! Angles it in on middle, O'Brien misses his attempted flick shot as the ball goes off the pads towards the slip cordon and they cross for a leg bye.
Pakistan have opted for the second new ball.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Covers the line and brings his bat down in time to defend.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Length delivery outside off, Kevin defends it down safely.
Mohammad Abbas is back on.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Goes deep in the crease and blocks it down gently.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Slips in the wrong one this time, Thompson goes back to defend but this one turns the other away. Beaten!
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Huge shout for an LBW! Bowls the leg spinner, it turns in and stays a touch low as well. Stuart presses forward and across to defend but misses and wears it on the pads. Seems like there was an inside edge.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Tosses it up outside off, Thompson presses ahead in defense.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. On middle and off, blocked.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Tossed up outside off, driven through cover for a single.
The second new ball is available now!
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller in length on off, it is stroked to mid off.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, blocked.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length outside off, it is guided to point.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Was there an edge? NO! On a length around off, it shapes away a touch. Kevin tries to defend but gets beaten.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length on off, it is defended onto the ground.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Very full on off, it is driven to mid off.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Goes for the sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head as the impact was outside off.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Flatter on off, defended.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Floats it up on off, it is kept out.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Loopy ball on off, it is driven towards cover where the fielder fumbles but no runs taken.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. On the bounce! The short ball almost does the trick as Thompson goes for the pull. He gets a top edge which goes on the bounce to deep square leg for a run.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Works it through the leg side with the angle for a run.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. A bumper on middle pulled to deep square leg for a run.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Full outside off, Thompson mistimes his drive to mid on.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Top shot but no runs! The stumps at the other end saves a boundary! Fuller in length on middle, Thompson strokes it straight back pas the bowler but he is unfortunate to hit the stumps at the other end.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Fuller in length on middle, driven to mid on.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. A bumper which bounces way above the batsman's head. It is so high that even Sarfraz fails to collect it. He only gets fingertips to it. It goes down to fine leg for a run.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Fifty for Kevin O'Brien and he gets a huge round of applause from the crowd! Becomes the first Irish Test batsman to get to this milestone. Well played! Loopy full toss on the stumps, whipped down to long on for a single.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. A loopy full toss, flicked towards short mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. That has spun a long way! Tossed up on leg, Kevin leans forward to defend but the ball turns in and sneaks through his bat and pad and goes into the hands of the first slip fielder. Encouraging signs for Shadab.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman fails to get bat on that one and is hit on the pad.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Turning in from around leg, O'Brien pads it away.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Tossed outside leg, Kevin defends.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Fuller on off, driven towards mid off.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Now punches one through cover for a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Edged and that's gone through! Ireland ahead by 4 runs now! Short of a length ball outside off, it bounces a touch more. Kevin hangs his bat out to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and flies past the first slip fielder for a boundary. Streaky but it all counts.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Scores are level now! Huge cheer from the crowd. Back of a length delivery outside off, Stuart gets on top of the bounce and slaps it towards sweeper cover for a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. A wild slash! Good length delivery, slanting away a touch and asking the batter to go after it. Thompson obliges and has a wild slash at it and gets beaten.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Length delivery, coming back in on middle, tucked towards the man at short mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Prods ahead and kills it into the turf. A maiden for Shadab.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Flatter one on the stumps, O'Brien defends it off the back foot.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Loops it up on off, Kevin leans ahead, takes it on the full and drives it to mid off.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Some more flight, landed around off, defended down well.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Tossed up outside off, blocked off the front foot.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Fuller delivery outside off, Stuart looks to drive but this one shapes back in late. Takes the inner half and goes towards deep square leg as the batsmen cross for a couple. Ireland trail by just 1 now.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Good length ball on middle and off, kept out off the front foot towards point.
Faheem Ashraf to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length on middle, tucked towards the fielder at square leg.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Clips it away through mid-wicket and takes a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Nipping back in on middle, Kevin looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. An appeal has been raised but the height was an issue there.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Good length delivery on middle, defended off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Flighted ball outside off, blocked.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Tosses it up on off, the southpaw lunges and blocks it out.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Floats it up on off, it turns back in. The batsman defends it onto the ground.
Shadab Khan to Stuart Thompson. Loopy ball on off, it is driven to covers.
Shadab Khan is back on.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Good length outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Runs through the off side this time! This is on a length outside off, Thompson strokes it through covers. Due to the slow outfield the batsmen only get three.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. FOUR! The deficit is now down to single figures! Amir goes for a yorker but ends up serving a full toss on the pads. Thompson does not miss out as he flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Good length on off, it is driven to mid off.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. A bumper on middle, Thompson goes for the pull but misses.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Wide outside off, Kevin drives it uppishly through cover-point for a run.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. DROPPED! Sarfraz has dropped another in a similar way to his first drop. On a length around off, it shapes away a touch. The batsman tries to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes low to the keeper's left. He dives and gets a hand to it but fails to hang on. Rahat Ali needed that wicket, it would have boosted his confidence.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Good length outside off, it is pushed through covers for a run.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. In the air... but safe! Short and on the helmet of the batsman. He goes for the pull, it goes off the gloves and then onto the helmet. Lands safely in the fine leg region for a run.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Good length on the stumps, Thompson defends it onto the ground.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Fullish and on off, it is driven back to the bowler.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. A bumper which the batsman ducks under.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Just ahead of a length outside off, it moves away further. Kevin makes a leave.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Fuller and on middle, Thompson drives it to mid on for a quick run.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Full and around off, it is driven through covers for a run.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. On the pads, worked down to fine leg for a run.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. Length ball outside off, Thompson pushes at it and the ball goes off the outer half through backward point for a run. They trail by only 17 now.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Length and angling into the batsman. It is worked through square leg for a run.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Length outside off, it is guided through point for a run.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Fullish on off, it is stroked to the man at covers.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Back of a length on off, it is guided down to third man for a run. Rahat needs to bowl it a touch fuller. That is where the swing will come into play.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Good length delivery on off, it is defended onto the ground.
Rahat Ali to Stuart Thompson. Shorter in length and aimed at the body of the batsman. Thompson tucks it to mid-wicket.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller outside off, it is driven uppishly through covers for a run.
Mohammad Amir to Stuart Thompson. BEATEN! This is on a length around off, Thompson plays inside the line and gets beaten.
Stuart Thompson is the new man in.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. OUT! 100 Test wickets for Mohammad Amir, a feat that he will cherish for a while! The sucker ball does the trick, full and outside off, Wilson could not stop himself from going after it. He tries to force it through the off side but gets an outside edge towards the first slip fielder. Haris Sohail there takes it with ease. Wilson walks back dejected and Amir gets his third. Once again just when the partnership was starting to build, it has been broken. Pakistan need another four wickets and Ireland need 23 more runs to avoid an innings defeat.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Just ahead of a length on off, it is pushed towards covers. The fielder there fumbles and concedes a run.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Almost! This is on a length outside off, Kevin has a feel for it. A needless shot, luckily for him it goes past the outside edge.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, blocked.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Goes fuller this time on off, it comes back in a little. The batsman tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length outside off, the batsman strokes it off the back foot to deep point for a run.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Shorter in length outside off, it is guided through point for a run.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Short and outside off, the batsman evades it.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Lands it on a length around off, the batsman tries to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes down to third man for a run.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Shortish and on off, it is defended off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Changes the angle and comes around the wicket. Lands it on a length around off, the batsman leaves it alone.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Wide outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Back of a length on off, Wilson pushes it to covers.
Mohammad Amir to Gary Wilson. Length ball outside off, the batsman tries to defend it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Mohammad Amir is back on.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Hurls a fuller ball on the pads, KOB clips it through mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Short of a length delivery, angling away, dabbed towards gully.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Back of a length delivery on middle, O'Brien stays back and taps it down on the surface.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Once again pounds in a short one on middle and leg, Kevin ducks under it this time.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Digs in a short one, it kicks a bit off the surface, O'Brien still goes for the pull shot but fails to get any wood on it. Sarfraz collects it with a leap and appreciates it.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Waits for the fuller delivery and guides it down to third man for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Poor delivery and that brings up the 150 for Ireland! Something to cheer for the crowd! A full toss on the pads and it's put away behind square on the leg side for Kevin O'Brien.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Presses ahead to a fuller delivery and with an open face of the bat he guides it through point for a single.
There is a silly mid off and silly mid on in place now.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Is right behind the line of this one and blocks it out.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Short of a good length delivery served outside off, glided wide of the gully fielder who does well to stop it with a dive to his right.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Marginally fuller on off, pushed towards the fielder at mid off.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Length delivery outside off, holding its line this time, left alone without much fuss.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller delivery on the stumps, pushed back to Rahat Ali.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Goes fuller but this line is a bit wide outside off, it's driven on the up towards mid off.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Slightly short on off, chopped square on the off side for a single.
Rahat Ali to Gary Wilson. Continues to pepper with angled away deliveries, Wilson lifts his bat to leave it alone.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Nearly chops it on! Angles it away outside off, Kevin with his feet glued inside the crease has a push at it away from the body. Gets a thick inside edge which evades the leg pole and runs down towards fine leg for a single.
Rahat Ali to Kevin O'Brien. Slanting away from a length outside off, Kevin is happy to shoulder his arms at it.
Rahat Ali comes into the attack now.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. On the stumps, Kevin walks across and nudges this inswinging delivery through square leg and will retain strike.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Ahead of a length outside off, O'Brien pushes it with soft hands towards the cover region.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Keeps it very close to the off stump channel, O'Brien offers a solid defense.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Stands back to a back of a length delivery and dabs it with an angled blade to point.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Slightly short outside off, it's punched on the up but straight to the man at short cover.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Nipping in from a length outside off, Kevin fails to counter that and gets hit high on the pads.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Chipped over! Goes back in the crease and chips it over the man at short mid-wicket to scamper back for a double.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Loops it up on off, driven down to long off for one more.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Bowls a leg-spinner, O'Brien comes on the front foot to drive but it spins away and nearly takes the outside edge of his bat.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Tosses it up again outside off, Wilson drives it towards sweeper cover and gets to the other end.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Flighted delivery outside off, O'Brien leans forward and pushes it through cover for a single.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Turning back in from outside off but it's very slow and that is why Kevin is able to defend it off the back foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Covers the line on this one and stabs it out towards the off side gently.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. FOUR! Edgeddddddddd and away! On a fuller length, closer to the off stump line, Wilson prods forward to defend but the ball catches the outside edge of his bat and runs through the gap between gully and third slip for a streaky boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. On a fuller length, just outside off, Wilson makes an assured leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Fuller and curling back in on middle, Wilson gets across and nearly falls over while driving it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Short of a length delivery on middle, O'Brien pulls it in front of square on the leg side for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Stump-to-stump line, Kevin hangs back in compact defense.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Beaten! Tossed up delivery outside, turning away from off, Gary presses ahead to defend but this one spins past the outside edge of his bat.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Covers the line and defends it back down the track.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Goes around the wicket and floats it up around middle and off, O'Brien pushes it with soft hands towards cover and runs a single.
Shadab Khan to Gary Wilson. Goes deep in the crease to this flattish delivery and punches it past cover for a single.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Tossed up around middle and off, driven towards cover for a single.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Flatter and slower through the air outside off, punched back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Touch fuller on off, patted towards Imam-ul-Haq at short cover. An excellent over from Abbas comes to an end.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Goes fuller and angles in in on middle, Gary keeps it out off the front foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. On a length and outside off, nicely shouldered arms to.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Fuller in length and outside off, Wilson prods ahead and defends.
Mohammad Abbas to Gary Wilson. Another one swinging back in but this time it's on the leg stump. Wilson is late in bringing his bat down as the ball goes off the pads towards fine leg and they cross for two leg byes.
Gary Wilson is the new man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Paul Stirling. OUT! Gone! Mohammad Abbas with a big booming indipper removes Stirling! Beautiful from the pacer and Ireland have now lost half their side. He drops it on a length outside off and this one nips back in sharply off the seam. Stirling lunges ahead to defend it down with his bat and pad close. The ball hits the pad and there's a huge appeal from the bowler. Umpire Nigel Llong is quick to raise his dreaded finger. Paul stands there with a shock look on his face but there is nothing much he can do about it. Replays show his bat got jammed behind the pads. Ireland still 53 runs behind!
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Presses ahead and with his bat and pad close together, O'Brien sees out the last ball of the over.
Shadab Khan to Paul Stirling. Flattish and around middle, tucked past the man at short leg for a single.
Shadab Khan to Paul Stirling. Lands it full on middle, bunted back to Shadab.
Shadab Khan to Paul Stirling. Slips in another wrong one, Paul goes down on one knee to play another sweep but misses and is hit on the pads again. Stifled appeal for an LBW!
Shadab Khan to Paul Stirling. Gets down and across to play the sweep across the line but misses and wears it on the pads.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Turning back in from around off, but the length is a bit short which allows Kevin to go back and punch it through cover for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Paul Stirling. Fuller in length and angling back in, Stirling defends it solidly off the front foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Good length delivery, drifting in on the pads, O'Brien clips it in the vacant square leg region and runs one.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Nips back in from outside off, comfortably kept out towards cover, off the front foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Lazy! On a back of a length, served a wider outside off, Kevin couldn't resist as he goes for a lazy drive away from the body. Beats the outside edge by a whisker.
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Angles it in on middle, O'Brien walks across and works it with his bat and pad close together towards mid-wicket. Risky!
Mohammad Abbas to Kevin O'Brien. Begins from over the wicket, lands it on a length outside off, Kevin meets it with a tight defense.
Mohammad Abbas to bowl from the other end.
Shadab Khan to Paul Stirling. Huge shout for an LBW! Turned down. Another wrong one, sliding in, Stirling prods ahead to play for the leggie but this one turns in and hits him on the pads. They appeal but seemed like it was going down leg.
Shadab Khan to Paul Stirling. Flatter through the air, skidding a bit, clipped on the bounce to FSL.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Leg-spinner, turning away from off, slapped square on the off side for a single. First run of the session.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Floated delivery around middle, worked towards short leg.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. A bit too full on middle, jammed out back to the bowler.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Googly to begin, it's a bit shorter in length, O'Brien punches it back to Khan.
Welcome back for the second session. The conditions continue to remain overcast. Very chilly out there as the players and umpires walk out to the middle. Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien will resume their innings and a lot of hope will be pinned on them if Ireland are to make the visitors bat again. Spin to begin and it will be the 19-year old Shadab Khan to roll his arm over. Let's play...
... Day 4, Session 2 ...
An excellent session is what we witnessed but once again it will be Pakistan who will walk back with their heads held high. They removed one of the overnight batsman out early as Ed Joyce was run out due to some brilliance by Faheem Ahsraf. Niall O'Brien and William Porterfield did try and steady the ship but an excellent spell by Mohammad Amir saw him sending both of them back to the hut. Then, it did look like Pakistan would once again run through the batting line-up but Kevin O'Brien and Paul Stirling have done well to ensure there were no further hiccups. The trail still reads 57 and it would require a good effort on the hosts' part to make Pakistan bat again. Will that happen? Only time will tell. Join us for the post-Lunch session in a short while...
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Short on middle, Kevin goes for the pull even though there are two men back at deep square leg and fine leg. He controls the shot well and takes a run as it rolls towards fine leg. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 4!
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Short ball and it is pulled down to fine leg for a run.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Length again on off, Paul defends it off the front foot.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. A little too wide outside off, left alone.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Good length on off, Paul keeps it out.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Fullish in length on off, Paul goes for the drive but the ball takes the outside edge and goes towards gully. The fielder there makes a good diving stop.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Gives it air on middle, Kevin defends it onto the ground.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Comes around the wicket and bowls a low full toss on the pads. Kevin flicks it to mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Short and outside off, Kevin cuts it through covers for a brace.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The googly on off, Kevin defends it to silly point.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Floats it up on off, Kevin easily blocks it out.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Good length on off, the batsman tries to defend but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Back of a length on off, Stirling keeps it out.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Length around off, blocked.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Fullish on off, it goes off the outer half towards point for a run.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Beauty! On a length outside off, this jags away after pitching. Kevin has a needless poke at the ball but gets beaten.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Fullish on off, Stirling drives it through point for a run.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Short and outside off, Kevin cuts it through point for a brace.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman works it down the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Flighted ball on middle, Kevin goes back to a ball which he should be playing forward to. He tries to keep it out but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Flatter on middle, worked to the man at mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Floats it up on off, it is pushed to covers.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Loopy ball on middle, it is driven back to the bowler.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. FOUR! A gift, a full toss on off, Stirling lunges and drives it through covers for a boundary.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Length ball outside off, the batsman lets it be.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Good length on off, blocked.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Fuller on the pads, flicked through square leg for a run.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, it is guided to point.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Bowls it wide outside off, Kevin goes after it but misses.
Shadab Khan to Paul Stirling. Beautifully bowled! Googly on off, it comes back in. Stirling has no clue where the ball is turning. He tries to keep it out but the ball sneaks through and hits him on the back pad. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Too high, he says.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Flatter and on off, it pushed through covers for a run.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Loopy ball on off, it is defended off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. The googly on off, Kevin defends it off the back foot.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. A low full toss on leg stump, Kevin drives it to the man at mid on.
Change of ends for Shadab Khan.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Good length again on off, Paul defends it solidly.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Length again around off, Stirling lets it be.
Faheem Ashraf to Paul Stirling. Good length on off, this one jags back in. Stirling tries to block it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Length ball around off, Kevin forces it towards point for a quick run.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! A little too short by Ashraf, Kevin picks the length early and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 72 is now what they need to avoid an innings defeat.
Faheem Ashraf to Kevin O'Brien. Good length on off, KOB defends it onto the ground.
Faheem Ashraf is back on.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. A yorker on off, Stirling jams it out to point.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Back of a length on middle, Stirling defends it onto the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Good length around off, Stirling pushes it to mid off.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. On a length around off, Paul blocks it out.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Good length ball outside off, it is defended.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Ireland! Length ball and outside off, Stirling slashes at it and the ball goes through backward point for a boundary.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. FOUR! Knowing the batsman Kevin is, he will play his shots. Floats this up on off, Kevin reaches out for it and strokes it through mid off for a boundary. 100 up for Ireland.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Pushes this one towards covers. Kevin wants a run but is sent back.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. A little too full on middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket. The fielder there misfields but does not concede a run as the mid on fielder is there for the back up.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. On the pads, Kevin tries to work it through the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Loopy ball on off, defended.
Shadab Khan to Kevin O'Brien. Lovely stuff! Shadab tosses it up on off, it turns ever so slightly. Kevin does not play for the turn and gets beaten on the outside edge. The ball also goes agonizingly past the off pole.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Good length on off, Stirling pushes it towards point. The fielder there makes a half stop. The batsmen think about a run but then opt against it.
Mohammad Amir to Kevin O'Brien. Off the mark on the first ball! On middle, Kevin works it through mid-wicket for a run.
Kevin O'Brien comes out to bat next.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. OUT! EDGED AND GONE! This was always on the cards. Amir beat the outside edge several times and this time he finds the edge. On a length, once again he angles it into the batsman at first and then gets it to leave him. William has to play at it and he tries to keep it out off the front foot. The ball though takes the edge and goes to the left of Sarfraz Ahmed who dives and takes it near the first slip. The set Irish skipper walks back after a gritty knock. Pakistan only six wickets away now.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Another play and miss! This is excellent stuff from Amir. He angles this one into the batsman first and then gets it to leave him. William pokes at it and gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Amir has his tail up here! This is bowled on a length around off, it takes off after pitching. Joyce plays inside the line and gets beaten.
Shadab Khan to Paul Stirling. Flighted ball on off, it is driven to the man at mid off.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Tucks it with the turn through square leg for a run.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Loopy ball outside off, this one turns back in. William tries to keep it out but gets it off the inner half and onto the pads.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Down the leg side and the batsman lets it be.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Floats it up on off, kept out.
Mohammad Amir to Paul Stirling. Slants this across the batsman and Stirling makes a leave.
Paul Stirling is the next man in!
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. OUT! Knocked him over! Once again Amir shatters the stumps. What a delivery! What an effort by this lad, he always looked like he would provide the breakthrough and he has given one. He comes running in and goes wide of the crease. Fires it very full at a good pace, it tails back in late. Niall tries to play across the line but misses the ball completely to see the furniture behind getting shattered. Amir gets his first, he could have had three had it not been for those two dropped catches. He is up and running in his celebration.
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. Back of a length on off, Niall pushes it to the man at point.
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. Good length around off, Niall defends it off the toe-end.
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. Fullish on off, it tails back in. Niall pushes it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. Short and outside off, chopped to the man at point.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Flighted delivery on off, it turns back in. Niall lunges to defend but the ball turns, takes the inner half and goes past the diving short leg fielder for a run.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Floats it up on off, defended off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. The batsman has played it fine down the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Quicker on the stumps, Niall works it to the man at mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Flatter and on off, NOB defends it onto the ground.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Loopy ball outside off, Niall works it with the turn towards short leg.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Goes wide of the crease and angles it on off, the batsman defends it off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Back of a length around off, this is kept out comfortably.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Down the leg side, the batsman misses the flick to get hit on the pads.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Good length outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. A little too high this time! Second appeal in a row and once again the umpire shakes his head. On a length around off, this once jags back in. WP misses the flick to get hit on the pads.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Another big appeal! The inswinger this time from off, William misses the flick to get hit on the front pad. The players appeal but once again the umpire feels it is missing leg.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Very full on off, Niall jams it out to point.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Flatter and on the shorter side, NOB pushes it back to the bowler.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. A huge appeal but not given! Another leg spinner on off, Niall tries to block it but misses to get hit on the pads. Shadab makes a huge appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Missing leg, I feel.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. The leg spinner from outside off, O'Brien defends it solidly.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Floats it a little too full, the spin is out of contention. Niall lunges and keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Serves a full toss on off, Niall fails to take full toll of it as he drives it to covers.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. On the off stump, WP defends it solidly.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. On a length around off, it is defended towards covers.
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. Shortish outside off, it is pushed towards covers for a run.
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. Length on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. Drops it short again, outside off, tapped in front of the point fielder.
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. Short of a length delivery outside off, Niall stays back and glides it with an open bat face between gully and point for a couple.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Fuller around middle and off, patted into the cover region off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Hangs back and keeps it out with a straight bat.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. A bit flatter and shorter in length, William goes back and tucks it towards mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Floated ball around middle and off, defended nicely off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Gives it nice air, lands it full around middle, Porterfield jams it out to the left of the bowler.
Shadab Khan to Niall O'Brien. Tosses it up around leg, O'Brien lunges forward and clips it past short leg for a single.
Shadab Khan is into the attack. A slip and a short leg in place.
So after that brilliant over, Amir is limping but he is not walking off the field as of now.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Attacks the stumps this time and Porterfield defends it solidly. A maiden for Amir and a very good one.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Beaten for the third time in the over! Bowls it in the area of apprehension and then gets it leave the batsman. The batsman has to play at it because of the original trajectory but gets beaten by the shape away.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. A little too wide outside off, it is left alone.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Angles this into the batsman. WP defends it onto the ground.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. BEATEN! Get in another slip Sarfraz! On a length around off, it shapes away a touch. Porterfield is drawn into a stroke but gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. BEAUTY! As a batsman you can just hope that misses the edge of the bat! Full and on off, it shapes away at the very last moment. Porterfield stays rooted to his crease and tries to keep it out but luckily for him the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. On a length around middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. FOUR! Width on offer and the bowler pays the price. Short and outside off, Niall cuts it past the diving fielder at point for a boundary. The Irish batsman won't die wondering here, if there is an opportunity to score they will go after it.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Good length around off, Niall goes at it with hard hands but gets an outside edge and it goes on the bounce to gully.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Goes back to bowling length on off, Niall pushes it to the man at mid off.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Good change in length! Bangs it in short to surprise the batsman. Niall is late in the hook and misses.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Fullish on off, Niall tries to force it through the off side but gets it off the inner half through square leg for a brace.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Wide outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to Niall O'Brien. Shortish in length outside off, Niall hangs his bat out and gets an outside edge down to third man for a run.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Edge but a run! On a length around off, Porterfield plays inside the line and gets an edge down to third man for a run.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Length ball outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Shortish in length on middle, William works it to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Good start by him! Showed no signs of being rusty! On a length at a good pace outside off, it carries at a good height to the keeper as the batsman leaves it.
Mohammad Amir was seen warming up and now he is into the attack. He is battling through an injury but has come onto bowl.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. On a length around off, pushed to covers.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Good leave! Outside off, it kept coming in with the angle. Niall keeps his eyes on the ball and shoulders his arms to it.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. From around the wicket, he angles it on the pads. The batter misses the flick to get hit on it.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Length delivery and outside off, the batsman need not play at those.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Back of a length on off, blocked.
Mohammad Amir is seen warming up...
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Fullish on off, Niall keeps it out.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Rahat Ali to Niall O'Brien. Guides this length ball through point for a run.
Rahat Ali to Niall O'Brien. FOUR! That's rubbing salt on the wound! Short ball and put away! There was width on offer, O'Brien pounces on it and slaps it through point for a boundary.
Rahat Ali to Niall O'Brien. A real mix-up but the Irish skipper is safe! Short of a length delivery, angling in, Nail tucks it towards mid-wicket. Porterfield, at the other end is off as he wants a run. Niall though refuses but Porterfield is halfway down the wicket. Rahat charges towards the ball but collides with the batsman. Hasan Ali, the substitute fielder gets to the ball quickly as Porterfield now turns to get back in. Ali fires a throw to Ashraf at the non-striker's end who fails to collect it and WP makes it in with a dive. Had Faheem even collected that and whipped the bails off, Porterfield would have gone for all money. It would have been a big blow for Ireland. Nevertheless, their skipper survives and they can breathe a sigh of relief.
Rahat Ali to Niall O'Brien. Good length outside off, left alone.
Rahat Ali to Niall O'Brien. Well bowled and equally well played! On a length around off, this shapes away a touch. Niall plays inside the line and lets it through.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Good length again on off, Porterfield is solid in defense.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Outside off and the batsman makes a leave.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. This is nicely timed! Fullish and on off, it is driven through covers and the batsmen run two.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Another risky run! Is this needed by Ireland at the moment? Luckily for Niall the fielder misses his shy and he gets off a pair. Fuller in length on off, O'Brien drives it towards covers. He sets off for a run, the fielder there has a shy at the bowler's end but misses as the keeper-batsman dives to get in. Replays later on show that even the dive would not have saved him, if there was a direct hit.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. PEACH! Try playing that, says Ramiz Raja on air! On a length around off, this one straightens a touch and also shoots after pitching. Niall tries to keep it out but is beaten by the extra lift. Lucky he did not get an edge on that.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Good length on off, it is defended solidly.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Goes fuller again on middle, William tries to work it on the leg side but gets a soft leading edge back to the bowler as he closes the face of the bat a little too early.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Back of a length on off, it is defended.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. FOUR! Poor line and the bowler pays the price. On the pads, Porterfield flicks it fine on the leg side and the ball races away.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Back of a length on off, the batsman lets it be.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Fullish on off, stroked to mid on.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Down the leg side, WP misses the flick.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Good length on off, blocked. Good second over by Abbas, he was a little too wide outside off in his first. Here he attacked the stumps and has tasted success.
Mohammad Abbas to Niall O'Brien. Hits the length hard on off, kept out.
Niall O'Brien is the next man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. OUT! LBW! Abbas strikes and two quick wickets for Pakistan! It is almost a replica of the way Andy got out in the first innings. He bags a pair on debut and becomes the member of an unwanted list. It is the inswinger which brings about his downfall for the second time. This is full and on the stumps, shapes back in late. Balbirnie goes for a drive down the ground but misses. Gets hit on the front pad and the players appeal. Umpire Nigel Llong straightaway raises his finger. Balbirnie stands there in disbelief but eventually has to walk off. Ireland in trouble now as they still trail by another 111 runs.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. Better from him! Attacks the stumps and Balbirnie drives it to mid on.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. Wide outside off, the batsman need not play at those. Abbas has been a touch wide today, needs to make the batsman play more.
Mohammad Abbas to Andy Balbirnie. On a length around off, it is defended off the back foot.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Good length on off, WP defends it to point.
Andy Balbirnie is the new man in.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. OUT! Ed Joyce is short! Tremendous piece of fielding by Ashraf. They have got the breakthrough they needed. This is fuller in length on middle, Joyce works it towards mid on and sets off for a quick run. Faheem Ashraf, there gets to the ball quickly and scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end. He had just one stump to aim at and he nails it. The players appeal and the umpire goes upstairs. After several replays the third umpire rules it in the favor of the bowling side. A frustrating end to Joyce's innings. He was looking so good out there. Walks back in frustration and this is surely the last thing they wanted. Nevertheless, a joyful moment for the visitors.
Have Pakistan got their first wicket? There is a direct hit at the non-striker's end and Joyce is the man in question. Pakistan look very confident as it is taken upstairs.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Full again and swinging away. Joyce pushes it to the man at covers.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Very full on off, jammed out to covers.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Goes for the outswinging yorker but it turns out to be a low full toss. Joyce flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Swing for Ali! This is on the fuller side outside off, it shapes away and Joyce makes a leave.
Rahat Ali is into the attack.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Another leave! Outside off and it is left alone. A maiden for Abbas but not a threatening one.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. On a length around off, the batsman keeps it out.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Outside off again, William has no interest in playing at those.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Perfect line! On off stump and it was on a length. Porterfield gets behind the line of it and defends it.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Good length again but the line is a little outside off, the batsman need not play at those.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Length again outside the off pole. WP lets it be.
Mohammad Abbas will bowl from the other end.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. FOUR! A good way for Joyce to begin the innings today! That was right off the middle. Full on off, it is on a drivable length. Joyce leans into it and strokes it through covers and the ball races away. A good start to the day for Ireland.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Fullish on off, Joyce mistimes the drive to mid on.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Back of a length around off, Joyce defends it onto the ground.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. First run for today, not in convincing manner though. On a length around off, it slants away from the batsman. William tries to defend but gets an outside edge down towards third man for a run. Good field placement by Sarfraz as he now knows saving runs is also important, he hence has a third man in place.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Goes fuller this time in search of some swing but there ain't any. Porterfield drives it back to the bowler.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Good start by Faheem, he lands it on a length around off. No movement on it this time as it angles away from the batsman. William leaves it.
A cloudy morning welcomes us here in Dublin as the players make their way out to the middle. William Porterfield and Ed Joyce will continue their innings. The former will be on strike and he will face Faheem Ashraf who will start the proceedings today. Here we go...
Pakistan, on the other hand, will try and replicate their performance of the first innings. They will be fresh and rearing to go in as the conditions are pretty overcast which will keep them interested. The availability of Amir is still in doubt as he walked off yesterday due to an injury. Pakistan will surely need his services today. Let's see how the penultimate day pans out. We welcome you for the coverage...
It's Day 4 of the one-off Test between Ireland and Pakistan in Dublin and the visitors are in complete control of it. However, the home side has showed some fight in their second innings. They still trail by another 116 runs but have all their wickets in hand. The pair batting out there will be expected to do keep doing the good work and get them closer to the deficit.
... Day 4, Session 1 ...
The Pakistan bowlers looked a touch tired in the last session. Mohammad Amir was the most impressive at the start and did provide a few chances which were not taken. He however, limped off the field towards the end of the day which is a sign of worry for his side. The rest were a little wayward and hence could not repeat their first innings heroics. Still even they can feel proud with how the things have panned out so far and come out afresh on Monday and get the job done. Will they be able to do so or will the Irish batters put up a fight? Will Pakistan bat again? Will this game go into the final day? Join us at 1100 local time (1000 GMT) to find out on Day 4. Till then goodbye and take care.
So a session which finally belongs to Ireland. They are still quite behind in the game but have showed great fight and character in this third innings. After a dismal batting performance in the first dig, they came out for their second essay trailing by 180 runs as Pakistan enforced the follow-on. The two openers, Ed Joyce and William Porterfield, rode their luck along and have battled it out for 26 overs with sheer grit and determination to see Ireland unscathed. However, their job is only half done but they can head back with a huge breather for the time being.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Joyce negotiates the last ball of the day as he lifts his bat to make a leave. STUMPS ON DAY 3, IRELAND TRAIL BY 116!
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Goes fuller and it also tails back in. Porterfield flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder from mid on gives it a chase and manages to pull it back in time. They look for the third one and take it comfortably in the end.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Good length on off, it is driven to the man at mid off.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. A quick single and they have made it! Not sure if all this is needed at the moment. This is tapped towards mid on and the batsmen set off for a run. The fielder gets to the ball quickly and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. This was nicely played! On a length outside off, Joyce this time does not go after it and lets it through to the keeper.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Short and wide outside, Joyce goes for a loose shot away from his body. Ed should remain calm as this is the last over.
Last over of the day coming up. Will Ireland go into Day 4 with 10 wickets in hand?
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. In the corridor outside off, Porterfield shoulders his arms to it.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Fullish outside off, William takes a stride forward to drive but the bat turns in his hands and he ends up mistiming it.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Length delivery going down leg, Porterfield tries helping it down the leg side but fails to put any bat on it. A good take by Ahmed behind.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Length ball outside off, punched nicely off the back foot towards cover.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Touch short and angling in on middle, defended on the leg side.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Strayed on the pads, tucked off the hips down to fine leg for a single.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Hangs back in defense to keep this back of a length delivery out.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Comes forward to defend but the ball takes the inside edge on the pads.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Angling in on the pads, worked behind square on the leg side for another single.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Fuller on off, Joyce prods ahead and defends it with his bat close to his pad.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Flicks it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Good length delivery outside off, dabbed down to third man for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Closeeeee! This one comes back in sharply from outside off, Porterfield shoulders his arms. This is one wasn't far away from kissing the off pole.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Stump-to-stump line again from Abbas. Porterfield once again covers the line and defends it with the full face of the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Is right behind the line of this one does William and stabs it out towards cover.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. In the channel outside off, William lifts his bat to make a leave.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. On a length and angling in from around the wicket, kept out towards mid-wicket.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. On a length around off, blocked.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Angles it on the pads, Joyce flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a brace.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. On a length and around off, it is defended.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Shortish in length on middle, it is tucked towards mid-wicket.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Shortish and on off, it punched to the man at covers.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Tucked around the corner for a run.
Rahat Ali is back on.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. The googly on middle, it is flicked against the turn towards mid-wicket for a run.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Gives it air on middle, it is defended onto the ground.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Floats it up on off, it is defended towards covers for a run.
Amir seems to have injured himself and he is walking off the field. Shadab Khan will complete his over.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Wide outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Mohammad Amir who is back on starts with a length ball around off, it is defended by the batsman.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Beauty to end the over! On a length and around off, it shapes away a touch. William tries to defend it off the front foot but gets beaten.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. A bumper outside off, the batsman evades it.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Another ball outside off, William makes a watchful leave.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Length ball again outside off, the batsman shoulders arms to it.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Length ball outside off, left alone.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. That has been timed well but straight to the fielder. Full and on off, it is driven to the man at mid off.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Gives this a bit more air, lands it outside off, Ed pushes it to mid off again.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Floated delivery on off driven towards mid off.
A bit of a delay as Ed Joyce has a change of bat...
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Takes a little stride ahead and pushes it back to Shadab.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Turning back in from outside off, shown a tight defense.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Tossed up around middle and off, blocked off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Tossed up from around the wicket, Porterfield gets across and plays a paddle sweep behind square on the leg side for a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Fullish again on off, it is driven to the man at covers.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Fullish and on off, it is driven to covers.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. On a length around off, it jags back in a touch. The ball takes the inside edge and hits the pads.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Fires it on off, it is kept out.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Good length around off, this one straightens after pitching. The batsman tries to defend but gets beaten.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Played to the point region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. 50-run stand up between the two, they have had luck on their side but have battled it out well. They need to carry on though.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Shadab is losing it a little here. He serves a full toss on the pads. Joyce goes for a paddle but it goes over the leg slip fielder and down towards fine leg for a brace.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. FOUR! A half-tracker, a hit-me delivery outside off. Joyce rocks back and slaps it through covers for a boundary.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Sweeps it fine with the turn through short fine leg for a brace.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Shorter on the pads, tucked around the corner for a run.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Floats it up on the pads, worked to mid on.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. EDGY FOUR! This will be frustrating for Pakistan. On a length and around off, it straightens after pitching. Joyce tries to keep it out but it goes off the edge through short third man for a boundary. This is an excellent start for Ireland.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Fullish and on off, it is kept out.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Another yorker on middle, Joyce digs it out ot mid on.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. A yorker on middle, the batsman digs it out.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Down the leg side, the batsman misses the flick and it goes into the hands of the keeper.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. On a length around off, kept out.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Flighted ball on off, it is kept out by the batsman.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Porterfield pushes it towards covers and Joyce wants a run but is sent back by his partner.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Fuller on the pads, the batsman goes to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Floats it up on off, it is pushed through covers for a run.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Another huge shout but once again the impact is outside off. Goes down for the sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head.
Shadab Khan to William Porterfield. Flatter and on the pads, it is tucked neatly around the corner for a run.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Almost chops it on! On a length around off, Joyce tries to defend it away from his body but gets an underedge which lands just ahead of the stumps.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Good length on middle, this one jags back in. Joyce tries to keep it out but gets an inside edge on the pads.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. A bouncer, good change in length by the bowler. Joyce evades it.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. A little too straight by the bowler. He is clipped down to fine leg for a run.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Floats it up on off, Joyce defends it onto the ground.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Another leg spinner outside off and once again the batsman tries to keep it out but gets beaten to get hit on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Impact once again was outside off.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Tucks it to mid-wicket with the turn for a run.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. The leg spinner outside off, EJ lunges and tries to defend but the ball beats the inside edge and hits him on the pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Impact was an issue there.
Shadab Khan to Ed Joyce. Tosses it up on middle, it is worked to the man at mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan into the attack.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Outside off, WP lifts his bat to let it be.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Drives it past the bowler and runs one before mid off mops it up.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Presses forward to a fuller delivery and offers a nice solid defense.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Makes him play this time. Bowls it on the stumps, Ed Joyce keeps it out off the front foot as the ball rolls back to the bowler.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Faheem continues to angle it away, that's the third leave in a row by Ed.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. Slants this one even wider, nothing doing says, Joyce.
Faheem Ashraf to Ed Joyce. No ball! Well bowled! Ashraf angles it away on off, Ed Joyce lifts his bat to let it be. It wasn't far away from kissing the off pole. He's overstepped so will have to reload.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Another one in the same channel, Porterfield is happy to make another leave.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Harmless delivery outside off, nicely shouldered arms to.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Goes fuller and on the stumps, it's bunted back to Rahat.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Bye! Angling down leg, Ed tries to clip that away but misses. Sarfraz behind the stumps can't stop it despite a dive to his right. They steal a bye.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Hops back in the crease and taps it away towards point.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Appeal for a caught behind! Short of a length delivery outside off, Joyce drops his wrists to make a leave. Wonder why did they even appeal as the ball was far away from the bat.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. On a fuller length outside off, it is left alone.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. On the shorter side on off, Porterfield tries to pull it but misses to get hit on the pads.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Length on off, William lunges and defends it onto the ground.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. FOUR! Porterfield with consecutive boundaries now! Short and outside off, William cuts hard, the ball takes the top edge and goes over the slip cordon for a boundary. Runs coming thick and fast now.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. FOUR! Width on offer and Porterfield pounces on it. Short and outside off, William slaps it through covers for a boundary.
Faheem Ashraf to William Porterfield. Good length outside off, left alone.
Faheem Ashraf is into the attack.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. FOUR! Overcompensates this time and bowls it very full outside off. It is driven crisply through covers for back-to-back boundaries.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. FOUR! Bad ball and put away! Short and outside off, this is cut through point by Joyce and the ball races away.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Another ball outside off, the batsman need not play at those.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Wide outside off, left alone.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. Another yorker on middle, once again the batsman does well to jam it out.
Rahat Ali to Ed Joyce. A yorker to start the over. Joyce does well to get his bat down in time and keep it out.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Fuller in length on off, it is driven back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Fullish on off, it is driven to mid off.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Shortish and outside off, Joyce cuts it through point and gets three.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Shortish and on off, it is cut to point.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Back of a length on off, defended.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. EDGED BUT SHORT! Length ball again, angling away from the batsman. Joyce tries to defend but it goes off the edge and on the bounce to the second slip fielder.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. A bumper to end the over. William ducks under it.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Fuller and outside off, left alone.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Lovely stuff! This is what he needs to bowl. He has been a little too short today. This is on a length around off, it shapes away. William tries to defend but gets beaten.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Short and outside off, William goes for the cut but mistimes it to point.
Rahat Ali to William Porterfield. Rahat Ali who comes into the attack starts off with a short ball down the leg side. Porterfield goes for the pull but misses.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Uses the angle and bowls it outside off, Ed Joyce lets it be.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Down the leg side, the batsman misses the flick.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Length again on middle, blocked.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Fuller on middle, eased to mid on.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. FOUR! TOP SHOT! Full and on off, Joyce loves it there. He leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Fuller and on off, it is driven through covers for a brace.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. DROPPED AGAIN! Second drop off Amir's bowling! What more can he do to take a wicket? He is really fuming as he walks back to his run-up area. On a length around off, it shapes away. Once again Porterfield lunges and tries to defend it. The ball takes the edge and goes towards third slip. Azhar there this time fluffs it. Amir could have had both the openers by now. Joyce was dropped by Sarfraz and Ali drops William.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. On a length again on off, it shapes away a touch. The batsman has a feel for it and gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Wide outside off, the batsman leaves it alone.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Angles this one onto the pads, William works it to the man at mid-wicket.
Mohammad Amir to William Porterfield. Goes fuller on middle, it is stroked to mid on.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Comes around the wicket now and bowls it on a length around off. William lunges forward and defends it solidly.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Good shot! On a length around off, this is pushed through covers and the batsmen run two.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Length ball slanting across the batsman. William plays inside the line and lets it through to the keeper.
Mohammad Abbas to Ed Joyce. Length on off, defended.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Three! Full and outside off, it is crisply driven through covers. Once again due to the slow outfield the ball does not race away and the batsmen take three.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Good length around off, kept out.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Fuller in length on middle, it is driven back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Angles it on the pads, Joyce flicks it to the man at square leg.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Down the leg side, the batsman misses the flick and is hit high on the pads.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Just ahead of a length on middle, Joyce defends it onto the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Works it towards mid-wicket with the angle.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. The away swinger outside off, Joyce plays inside the line and lets it go to the keeper.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Once again a poor line, way outside off. The batsman shoulders his arms to it.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Another ball outside off, the batsman leaves it.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. The ball on the stumps and William defends it onto the ground.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Wide outside off, the batsman makes another leave.
Mohammad Abbas to William Porterfield. Wide outside off, the batsman lets it be.
Mohammad Abbas will bowl from the other end.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Back of a length on off, Joyce defends it onto the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. BEATEN! Once again the awayswingers causing problems for Joyce. On a length around off, Joyce has a feel for it and gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Length around off, Joyce defends it solidly.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. DROPPED! Amir is not a happy man and he should be disappointed as Sarfraz should have gobbled that one. On a length around off, it shapes away. Joyce tries to defend it by staying rooted inside his crease but the ball takes the outside edge and goes to the left of Ahmed. He dives and gets a glove to it but can't hang on. A life for Joyce. Can he make them pay?
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Brilliant delivery! A yorker on off. Joyce though is upto the mark as he jams it out.
Mohammad Amir to Ed Joyce. Starts off with a loosener outside off, Joyce lets it be.
So that is it from this Test. Ireland showed great fight and they did prove they belong amongst the elites. Pakistan on the other hand, still have a lot of work to be done as the test they face ahead won't be easy. They will now be going to face England in this month which can turn out to be another cracking contest. For now you can switch tabs to the Indian T20 League game between Kolkata and Rajasthan. Goodbye and cheers.
Not many a times do you see a player from the losing side is awarded the Man of the Match. But such was the performance of Kevin O'Brien. He was their highest scorer in both the innings but his ton in the second, not only helped Ireland avoid an innings defeat but also made them believe they could have won it.
Chasing 160, Pakistan lost 3 wickets quickly and at that time Ireland looked like they will go on to win their first Test. But an outstanding stand between Babar Azam and Imam saw them weathering the storm and taking Pakistan over the line.
310 was the deficit Ireland had to wipe off and they fell way short. They lost a flurry of wickets at the start with no top order batsmen getting into double figures. Kevin O'Brien did fight hard but Ireland were bundled out for a paltry total with Abbas and Shadab sharing 7 wickets amongst them. After the follow-on being enforced the home side showed more character with the bat. Their opening pair got them off to a good start but their middle order stumbled. However, Kevin O'Brien who scored a ton, along with Thompson first and Kane set a difficult target of 160.
A brilliant Test match is what we witnessed. It ended as everybody expected with Pakistan coming out victorious but the Irish did give them a run for their money. After the first day being washed off, the home side won the toss on the second day and elected to bowl. They had Pakistan on the mat at 159 for 6 courtesy some exceptional bowling by Murtagh but could not capitalize. Some poor fielding and wayward bowling saw Shadab Khan and another debutant, Faheem Ashraf, build a 117-run stand which took Pakistan to a respectable first inning score.
Imam-ul-Haq, a debut to remember for the young lad. He has batted through and ensured his side finish on the right side. He walks off to a standing ovation by his team mates. They required another 108 runs after the Lunch break and they have toppled those runs off in ease, courtesy a 126-run stand between Babar (who was dropped by Balbirnie) and Imam. They did lose two wickets towards the end but Shadab Khan then came in an ensured there were no further hiccups.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. That is it! It is Imam, the youngster, who hits the winning runs on his debut. Not in convincing fashion but he won't care. This is an inswinger on off, Imam tries to defend it but it goes off the inner half through backward square leg for a brace. All smiles in the Pakistan camp as THEY WIN BY 5 WICKETS!
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Fuller on off, it is driven towards the man at covers for a run.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Width on offer outside off, Shadab does not go chasing after it and leaves it.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Works it with the angle through mid-wicket. The fielder there fails to collect the ball and the batsmen run two. Three to win.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Length around middle, it is defended.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman manages only a bottom edge on that one.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Good length on middle, the batsman taps it towards mid on for a run. Just 5 more needed now.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Short and outside off, it is cut through backward point for a run.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Another ball angling across the batsman. He shoulders arms to it.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Tyrone Kane to Shadab Khan. Good length on off, kept out.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. A yorker on middle, the batsman digs it out towards covers for a run.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Another ball outside off, it is left alone.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Wide outside off, left alone.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length on off, defended.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. The away swinger from outside off, Shadab has a feel for it and gets beaten.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Stuart Thompson to Shadab Khan. Length around off, kept out.
Shadab Khan walks out to the middle.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. OUT! Another wicket for Ireland. But all this is coming a little too late. This is bowled on a length and around middle, Sarfraz hops and tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Ahmed walks back dejected.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. FOUR! The runs required are below 10 now! On a length around off, Sarfraz rocks back and guides it through backward point for a boundary.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. And again. Ends the over with another lovely away swinger. Imam gets sucked into it. Looks to drive that but misses it. Maiden over.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Ripper from Kane! Drifting in from round the wicket angle, just moves away a wee bit. Imam lunges forward to defend that but misses and the ball whistles past the outside edge.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Shortish delivery, angling in from outside off, defended down the track.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball outside off, swings further away. No shot offered by Imam-ul-Haq.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller length ball, swings away late, Imam keeps his bat high and lets it go.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Dishes out a fullish delivery on the stumps, Imam plays a drive straight back to the bowler.
Tyrone Kane is back on.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. BEATEN! That has swung like a banana! On a length and around off, it shapes away. Sarfraz tries to defend but gets beaten.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. Back of a length on off, it is tapped towards covers. No ball signaled by the umpire as the bowler oversteps.
Stuart Thompson to Sarfraz Ahmed. An outswinger outside off, the batsman shoulders arms to it.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. On a length around off, the batsman tries to defend but gets it off the inner half towards mid-wicket for a run.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length outside off, the batsman first thinks of playing at it but then tries to pull his bat out. He is late in doing so but luckily for him it goes off the bottom edge through backward point for a brace.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. On a length around off, it is defended onto the front foot.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. On a length around off, it is defended onto the front foot.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. Fullish on off, it is eased to mid on.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. FOUR! Short and wide and Sarfraz pounces on it. He cuts it through point and the ball races away. Four boundaries away now Pakistan.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Tim Murtagh to Sarfraz Ahmed. Good length on off, defended.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller on middle, driven to mid on.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Length again and kept out.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Back of a length on off, kept out.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. A huge appeal! On a length around off, this one comes back in. Imam tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The players appeal but the umpire shakes his head.
Sarfraz Ahmed is the next man in.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. OUT! A run out just when Pakistan are inching closer to victory. Well, Ireland will rejoice. This is bowled on a length around off, Imam taps it towards covers and sets off for a run. Azam obliges but seeing Balbirnie get to the ball quickly, Imam sends him back. Azam is halfway down the track as he tries to turn and get back. Andy passes it to the bowler who collects it and takes the bails off. The players appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays find Babar short. He walks back and that ends the 126-run stand. However, Azam has done his job but he will be disappointed as he fails to take his team over the line. 20 more needed.
An appeal for a run out has been taken upstairs. Azam is the man in question. Ireland are very confident.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Wide outside off again, the batsman makes a leave.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Goes fuller in length on off, Azam mistimes it to the man at mid on.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Back of a length on off, it is pushed to covers.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Third leave in a row! Outside off, the batsman need not play at those.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Another leave! Pakistan are in no rush here. Outside off, left alone.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Another good length ball outside off, left alone.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Down the leg side, the batsman misses the flick.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Angles it on the pads, Babar tries to flick but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls towards square leg and the batsmen take a run.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Fuller and on off, it swings away further. The batsman lets it be.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Fullish outside off, the batsman goes for a booming drive but gets an inside edge onto the leg side. The batsmen complete a run. Just one more than 20 needed.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Bangs it in short on middle, Imam off the back foot defends it onto the ground.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Good length on off, the batsman defends it solidly.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Shortens his length a touch outside off, Azam off the back foot pushes it to covers.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Another ball in the fifth stump channel. Azam does not feel like playing those.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. A gentle away swinger outside off, Azam makes a leave.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Good length on middle, it is defended onto the ground.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Shortish and outside off, it is cut through point. They have a man in the deep who runs across to his right and keeps it down to two.
Tim Murtagh is back on.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Another outswinger wide outside off, the batsman makes another leave.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Goes fuller this time outside off, Imam strokes it off the middle but finds the man at covers.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Wide outside off, Imam lets it be.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Very wide outside off, the batsman leaves it alone.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Fullish and on off, it is mistimed to the man at mid off.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Fuller on the pads, Azam works it through square leg and bags a brace. 24 more needed.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Shortish on middle, Azam tucks it to the man at mid on.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Deduct three more from the runs required as Imam strokes it through mid on and the batsmen run three.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Back of a length on off, Azam taps it towards the off side and the batsmen take a quick run.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Short again down the leg side, Azam lets it be.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Short ball aimed at the rib cage of the batsman. Babar misses the flick. Rankin has once again over stepped and a no ball is signaled.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Flicks it off his pads to fine leg for an easy single.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Widish delivery from Thompson, Azam doesn't play at it.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. FOUR! Fifty to Babar Azam, his fifth in Test matches. This has been a good knock from the stylish right-hander and he is making the Irish players pay for the opportunity missed earlier in the session. Shortish delivery on the stumps, he gets on top of the bounce and swipes it through mid-wicket. Back-to-back boundaries. Thompson oversteps, so five more added to the total.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. FOUR! Gorgeous cover drive. Bowls a fullish delivery outside off, Babar leans into the drive and caresses it through the covers for a boundary.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Fuller length ball outside off, Babar shoulders arms to it.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Fuller length ball, Babar plays a drive through the line. The fielder at point dives to his right and makes a good stop.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Length ball outside off, Imam leaves it all alone.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman works it down the leg side.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Bumper from Rankin, Babar moves across and pulls to fine leg for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. No ball! Rankin oversteps and needs to reload. Goes for an effort ball and in the process he lands his front foot outside the crease. Full ball and Babar defends it out.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Fuller length ball, defended down the track.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Babar is finding it tough to negotiate the angle that Rankin is generating from round the wicket. The right-hander gets a leading edge as he looks to defend of the back foot, the ball rolls to point. The fielder there fumbles and concedes a couple.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Angling across from round the wicket, Babar is squared up. The ball whizzes past the outside edge.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Appeal for an LBW but it soon dies. Fuller length ball, angling in and nips back too, Imam lunges forward to defend that. He gets rapped on the pads. Replays are in and they show there is an inside edge.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Bowls it full on off, driven to the mid off region.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball, angling in, the left-hander decides to shoulder arms.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Harmless delivery outside off, left alone.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. An innocuous delivery from Thompson outside off, the batsman lets it go.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Serves up a fullish delivery outside and Imam leaves it all alone.
Stuart Thompson is back into the attack.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Drifting it well down the leg side and the batsman decides to leave it.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. No ball! Rankin serves a bumper which loops over Babar Azam. Rankin oversteps and a no ball is the signal from the umpire.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Rankin delivers from round the wicket. On the pads and Babar whips it past to the right of the man at mid on. They take a couple. Brings up the 100-run partnership with Imam. These two have played with a lot of responsibility and have taken Pakistan to a safer shore. Ireland ruing the chance missed by Andy just at the start of this session.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. No shot offered by Babar. He moves across expecting to leave a delivery heading down leg but the ball just nips back enough and hits him on the thigh pad.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Full pitched delivery on the leg stump line. Babar pushes it to mid on.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Opens the face of the bat and dabs it to the man at cover-point.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Short of a length ball, Imam works it past the man at mid-wicket for a couple more.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Well-timed straight drive from Imam, but the fielder at mid off rushes to his left and blocks it.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Length ball, angling across. Imam doesn't play at it.
Tyrone Kane to Babar Azam. Did that just stop on Babar? Maybe, yes it did. Babar is early into the drive and mistimes it to the left of mid off. Single taken. Pakistan need 50 more to cross the line.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Stands tall and punches it through covers for a single.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller length ball on the off stump line, it swings away just a little and beats Imam who is looking to play the drive on the rise.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. More runs. Too full from Rankin and it gets drilled through the covers by Imam. They collect another three runs.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Half-volley on the pads and Azam whips it to the right of mid on. Three runs completed.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Short and outside off, Azam stands tall and looks to cut. He mistimes it on the off side.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Slips it down the leg side. Azam doesn't play at it.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Short of a length ball on the stumps, Azam gets right behind it and blocks.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Wide delivery down the leg side from Rankin, Azam looks to glance that but he fails to connect.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Massive shout for LBW from the Irish fielders but that is too high. Short of a length ball, dips in late. Imam looks to leave it but gets hit high on the pads. The appeal isn't entertained by the umpire.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Bowls it closer to the off peg. Imam judges it well, covers his stumps and decides to leave it.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Length ball on middle and leg, defended down the track.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. On a length outside off, angling across. Imam doesn't play at it.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Creamed through the covers. Lovely timing from Imam. A low full toss from Kane is drilled through the covers. 100 up for Pakistan, they need 58 more and these two are making it look ridiculously easy.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Bowls a half-volley outside off and Imam goes really hard at that one but he mistimes it to mid off.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. FOUR! Plays a square cut and finds the gap to perfection. On a length outside off from the Irish pacer and Babar slaps it in front of point. The ball speeds away to the boundary. Pakistan need 62 more.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Shortish delivery from Murtagh, Babar pushes it to the fielder at short extra cover.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Pushes it to the right of the fielder at mid off. They steal a quick single.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Bowls it fuller on the stumps. Defended by Imam.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball outside off. Left alone by the batsman.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller length ball outside off, Imam punches it to the man at mid off.
Tyrone Kane to Babar Azam. Length ball outside off, Azam doesn't play at it.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Fifty to Imam-ul-Haq, his maiden in Test cricket on debut. He becomes the fourth debutant in this match to score a fifty. This has been a good knock under pressure and he has delivered when his team needed it the most. Full delivery on the stumps, moves across and whips it to the left of mid on. Three runs added to the total.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Bowls it full down the leg side, the batsman looks to glance that but he fails to connect.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Another leave from Imam-ul-Haq. He is playing with a lot of patience.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball wider of the off stump. Left alone by the batsman.
Tyrone Kane to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller length ball on off, Imam plays a square drive but he finds the man at cover-point.
Tyrone Kane is back into the attack.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Short of a length ball outside off, Babar shoulders arms to it.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. FOUR! Fine shot. Freebie on the pads and Babar makes it count. He goes right back and whips it nicely through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Babar lunges on the front foot and blocks it solidly.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Plays a drive to mid off but finds the fielder.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Fuller length ball on off, Babar plays a defensive stroke.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Width on offer and Imam cuts it hard to deep point. Single taken.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Angling into the pads and Babar knocks it behind the wicket on the leg side for a run.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. FOUR! Neatly played by Babar. Rankin serves up a fullish delivery which is off target. Azam whips it off his pads in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Good length ball outside off, Babar goes across and leaves it all alone.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Direct hit at the bowler's end but Imam is well in. Short of a length ball, he taps it on the leg side and calls for a quick single. The fielder is quickly on to the ball and has a shy. He hits the stumps but Imam makes it safely as he set off quickly without hesitating.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Babar is receiving some treatment after getting hit on the knuckles. He should be fine though. Also, the dark clouds are starting to creep in and Pakistan will now have to step on the gas here as it looks like it could rain any moment. That is how dark it has got.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. OUCH! That would be painful! Length ball, kisses the surface and jumps sharply. Babar lunges forward to defend that but he is hit on the gloves. He feels the pain straightaway.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. FOUR! Shot! He is making full use of anything loose that is on offer from the Irish pacers. Short of a length ball outside off, Babar slaps it in front of point for a boundary.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Serves up a length delivery, Babar defends it back to the bowler.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Bowls a fuller length ball, which skids through. Babar is slightly late on it but manages to put bat to ball. Dabs it on the off side.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Fuller length ball, with a hint of away movement. Babar steps out and defends it solidly down the track.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Full delivery on the middle and leg stump line, Imam moves across and whips it to the left of mid on. They take two more. Runs are coming at a swift pace for Pakistan post lunch. Ireland need to strike quickly to stay in the game.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Length ball, angling across, Imam decides to leave it alone.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Outside edge, which bisects the gap between third slip and gully! Fuller length ball on off, Imam lunges forward to play the cover drive. He gets a thick edge which luckily for him goes in the gap. Frustration written all over on the face of Rankin.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball on the stumps, the batsman stays back and pushes it to the cover region.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Murtagh starts with a delivery down the leg side, Imam looks to glance that but fails to put bat to ball.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. FOUR! Superb shot! Babar gets right on top of the bounce and pulls it beautifully in front of square. Short ball, he plays a shot full of authority and earns a boundary for the effort. Brings up the 50-run partnership between the two. A vital stand for Pakistan as the two joined forces when they were in a spot of bother. Can they now stay there till the end?
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Once again, the batsman covers the line of the delivery and blocks it.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Length ball on the stumps, Babar sits back and defends it to the cover region.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. FOUR! Strong comeback from Babar, he gets a shortish delivery outside off. Rocks onto the back foot and cuts it through the covers for a boundary.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Dropped! Balbirnie is the culprit. Fullish delivery closer, to the off stump line, this one swings away after pitching. Babar lunges forward to defend that but he gets a thick outside edge to third slip. The fielder there goes low towards his left and tries to take it with one hand but can't hang on to it. A life for Babar. Is this the luck he needs to get back in form? He would surely want to make the most of the reprieve he has got.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball, punches it to the right of the man at mid off. Single taken.
Tim Murtagh to bowl from the other end.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Overpitched delivery from Rankin to end the over. Imam forces it down the track past his partner. Beats the man at mid on, they take three more. Profitable over for Pakistan, they have collected seven runs. Brings up the 50-run stand with Imam for the fourth wicket.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Short of a length ball, angling in. Dabbed on the leg side by the batsman.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Too wide from Rankin, the batsman decides to leave it all alone.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Lovely cover drive, the positive footwork from Imam gets him to the pitch of the delivery. Caresses it through the covers. It is well-timed and the ball races to the boundary.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Delivers a pitched up delivery on off, the batsman pushes it gently back to the bowler.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball, angling in from outside off but still pretty wide. Imam lets it go.
We are back for the second session. Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam will continue their innings. The former will be on strike, he will be facing Boyd Rankin who will start the proceedings for Ireland in this session. Here we go...
... Day 5, Session 2 ...
So after the first session on Day 5, the game is evenly poised! Pakistan need another 108 runs and Ireland need another seven wickets. Defending 159, the Irish bowlers came out all guns blazing, making quick work of the Pakistan top order. At 14 for 3 it looked like we are going to witness another Pakistan collapse but the youngster, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam absorbed all the pressure that was exerted and have done well to hang in out there. The away side would want the two to continue whereas the home side will hope for a few quick wickets after the break. The good news is that the rain gods haven't interfered and let's hope they show mercy and stay away for the rest of the match. Join us for the second session in a while.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Back of a length on off, Azam stands tall and defends it onto the ground. A maiden by Tim. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 5!
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Down the leg side, Azam misses the flick and it goes through to the keeper.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Another ball on a length on off, Azam defends it solidly.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Lovely bowling! That was so good that it was acknowledged by the batsman as well. On a length, it first angles into the batsman and then leaves him. Azam tries to keep it out off the back foot but gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Another ball on a length around off, it is defended off the front foot.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Good length on middle, kept out.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Wide outside off, Imam makes another leave. So an over in which five leaves and a boundary was hit, comes to an end.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Drags his length back outside off, Imam lets it be.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Width on offer yet again and Imam this time makes him pay. It is also a little too full and outside off. Imam slashes, gets it in the gap through covers for a boundary, 50 up for Pakistan and they still need another 108 runs.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. This is even wider outside off, Imam leaves it. Thompson has to make the batsman play here.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length outside off, this one stays a touch low. Imam shoulders his arms to it.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. The outswinger outside off. The batsman need not play at those.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Bowls it closer to the off pole this time. Azam lunges forward and blocks it out.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Lovely line and length! In the channel on uncertainty. Azam watchfully lets it be.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. A little too short and width on offer. Azam off the back foot punches it through covers and bags a brace.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Back of a length around off, Imam tries to defend it but it squirts off the outside edge and goes through backward point for a run.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Angles this one across the batsman. Imam does not fiddle with it.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller in length and tailing back in. Imam drives it back to the bowler.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Well stopped by Joyce at gully. Fuller length ball outside off, Babar plays a drive on the up, he gets a thick edge which is well stopped.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Good length ball, Babar gets right behind that one and defends it back to the bowler.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Drifting down leg, Imam goes across and taps it on the leg side for a single.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Useful runs, this pair has added 30 runs so far and is getting Pakistan in a good position. Good length ball outside off, the batsman square cuts it behind point for a boundary.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. That one almost rolls through the keeper. Did it hit a crack? It behaved like one. Hits the length on off and angles it across. Imam lets it go.
Stuart Thompson to Imam-ul-Haq. Good shot but doesn't find the gap. Width and Imam punches it. The fielder at backward point makes a good stop diving to his left.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Another lovely away swinger to end the over. Well left by Babar. Murtagh has bowled seven overs on the trot, will he get another one?
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Fuller length ball on off, with a hint of away movement. The batsman covers his stumps by shuffling across and lets it go.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Shorter in length from Murtagh, pushed to the cover region.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Length ball, angling in from outside off, Babar goes back to defend that. He gets a bottom edge on to the pads.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Drifting on the leg stump line and the batsman works it through square leg for a single.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Iman punches off the back foot and hits it in the gap through the covers. They decide to take the second run. Direct hit is needed but the throw is bit off target and Imam makes it with a full length dive.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Easy leave from Babar Azam to end the over.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Innocuous delivery outside off, the batsman decides to leave it.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Spraying it well down the leg side. Azam doesn't need to play at those.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Fullish delivery in the channel outside off, the batsman doesn't play at that one.
Stuart Thompson to Babar Azam. Starts a spell with a pitched up delivery on the off stump line, Babar defends it off the front foot.
Stuart Thompson comes into the attack.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Babar lunges forward to defend that, the ball goes off the outer half and rolls to the right of the fielder at third slip. Single taken.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. In the channel outside off, Babar sits back and shapes to cut that but doesn't play at it in the end.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Fullish delivery on off, Babar gets on the front foot and defends it solidly.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Azam charges down the track and puts Murtagh off his length. Defends it firmly down the track.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Length ball outside off, Babar doesn't offer a stroke to it.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Length ball outside off, Babar shuffles back and across as he defends it on the track.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! More runs, this has been a poor over from Rankin. He was all over the place and ends up conceding six runs. Ends his fifth over with a half volley on the pads and Imam glances it neatly away to the fine leg fence. Pakistan need 124 more!
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Drops and takes a quick single. Good running, Pakistan pair needs to do this more to put pressure back on Ireland. Defends it wide of the man at backward point. They steal a run.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Easy pickings for Imam, hops across and flicks it off his pads to mid-wicket. He wanted the second run but decides against it. Seeing the throw coming in from the deep.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball outside off, Imam moves across and lets it through to the keeper.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Full pitched delivery on the stumps, Iman offers the straight bat and blocks it solidly down the track.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Rankin hits the deck hard and tries a bumper but it is too short and balloons over the batsman who has no troubles ducking under it.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Babar shuffles across and taps it wide of the fielder at short leg, who rushes to the ball and prevents the single.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Moving away from the stumps, seeing it wide, Babar decides to leave it.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Good length ball on off, Babar Azam takes few steps down the track and defends it right under his eyes.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Slipping on the pads, Azam moves across and whips it to deep square leg for a brace.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Imam plays a drive, goes off the outer half to point. They take a single.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Just falls short of Stirling. Is he standing too back? Might be. Length ball on middle and leg, Imam had to play at that one, the ball moves away and catches the outside edge. And it goes on the bounce to first slip.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Beaten comprehensively! Fullish delivery, seaming away a little from Babar Azam, who goes for the drive but fails to the cover the line of it and the ball goes whistling past the outside edge.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Fractionally too full from Rankin, Babar goes forward and plays a drive to mid off.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Full pitched delivery on off stump line, Azam covers the line of the delivery and defends.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Beauty from Rankin but equally well played by Imam. Yorker on middle, jams his bat down and blocks it on the off side. The young Pakistan pair steal a single.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Good shot! That will boost his confidence to no limits! He gets a wide delivery and latches on to it in a flash. Jumps on the back foot, gets on top of the bounce and square cuts it between backward point and gully for a boundary.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Terrible delivery which allows Azam to get off strike. Full down the leg side, flicked away to fine leg for a single.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Length again on off, Imam defends it solidly. A good over this for Pakistan, 4 from it. They need to keep scoring, they can't be bogged down.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. On a length and around off, leaves the southpaw after pitching. Imam tries to block it but for the second time in the over gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Back of a length on off, it is kept out.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Another couple! This was well timed! Fuller and on off, Imam leans into it and drives it through mid off. It has not been hit well enough to reach the boundary but the batsmen run two.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Lovely use of the angle! This is on a length and around off. It slants away after pitching. Imam plays inside the line and gets beaten.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. A little too full and on the pads, Imam works it through mid-wicket and bags a brace.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Fuller length ball on the off and middle stumps line. Azam defends it to covers.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Boyd Rankin for once misses his radar and bowls a delivery on the pads. Azam works it to deep square leg and collects couple.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. A terrific yorker from Rankin, nearly sneaks through. Delivers in the blockhole, Azam jams his bat down in time and stops it.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Boyd Rankin to Babar Azam. OUCH! That must have hurt! Short of a length ball on the stumps, moves away late and squares Azam, who is aiming to flick that but gets hit on the soft spot.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Bowls a full pitched delivery on the pads, Imam glances it nicely off his pads to fine leg for a single.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. A massive shout for LBW but the umpire Nigel Llong is unmoved! Length ball, Babar gets forward to defend that, he gets hit above the knee roll which is what saved him there.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Tim Murtagh to Babar Azam. Outside edge from Azam, but it goes on the bounce to the man at third slip.
Babar Azam is the next man in.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. OUT! And there goes another wicket! Murtagh goes through the defenses of Shafiq. A dream delivery. Ireland are well and truly on top! Shafiq departs without making much of a contribution. His lack of footwork proves to be his undoing. A length ball, nipping in sharply, Shafiq goes for a drive down the ground leaving a gap between bat and pad. The ball goes through the gap and cannons into the wickets. Pakistan still need 146 to win and they need a big partnership to make it there.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Fuller length ball on off, Shafiq plays a drive to the mid off region.
Tim Murtagh to Asad Shafiq. Gutsy leave from Shafiq! The ball misses the off stump by a whisker, Ireland nearly nipped out another one. Incoming delivery from Murtagh, Shafiq decides to leave it and after all it can be termed as a 'Safe leave'. Why? Because, Shafiq is still out there.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. The batsman has played it to the point region. One run added to the total.
Boyd Rankin to Asad Shafiq. Well down the leg side and Shafiq doesn't play a shot to it.
Asad Shafiq is the new batsman.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. OUT! Has Joyce taken it? He is claiming it and the Irish team is already celebrating. Pakistan have lost their second wicket in no time. Well, this game is tilting in the favor of the Irish now. A rising delivery, leaving the left-hander. Haris doesn't get on top of the bounce but still goes through with the punch as he tries to force it through the off side. Gets a thick edge towards gully where Joyce crouches low and grabs it inches above the ground. Oh wait! The umpire wants to check the front foot no ball but the TV umpire is happy and deems it a legal delivery. Haris Sohail continues his walk towards the pavilion.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. Full pitched delivery on off, the batsman plays a drive through the line. The ball rolls to the mid off fielder.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. Good length ball in the channel outside off, Sohail shoulders arms to it.
Boyd Rankin to Haris Sohail. Short of a length ball on the stumps, Haris drops it on the off side and calls for a quick single but his partner doesn't respond. There is just no room for a run out at this juncture.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Good comeback from Murtagh, adjusts his line and withdraws batsman on the front foot. Imam is beaten as he attempts a drive.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Imam opens his account with a lovely flick shot! He gets a delivery on the pads and cashes on it. Goes right across and whips it to the left of mid on. The ball rolls away to the boundary.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. A rising delivery from Murtagh, the batsman gets on top of the bounce and defends it to the point region.
Tim Murtagh to Imam-ul-Haq. Bowls a fullish delivery on off, Imam gets right behind it and defends it.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Not so convincing from Sohail, he gets forward but not to the pitch of the delivery as he drives it. Anyways, hits the gap through the covers and they take three runs.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Fires it full on off, Sohail stays back and defends it with the dead bat.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball outside and the batsman lets it go.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Covers the line of the delivery and defends off the back foot.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. A loose shot from Imam, he goes chasing a wide delivery and nearly gets an outside edge.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Imam-ul-Haq gets on the front foot and plays a drive to the mid off region.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Boyd Rankin to Imam-ul-Haq. Short of a length ball outside off, Imam gets on the front foot and lets it go.
Boyd Rankin will bowl from the other.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Aerial and there is a cry of catch it from the Irish players. Fuller length ball outside off, Sohail goes forward and plays a square drive uppishly past the man at backward point. The ball speeds away to the boundary.
Tim Murtagh to Haris Sohail. Tentative start for Sohail, he stands tall and looks to work a straightish delivery from Murtagh but he gets pinged on the thigh pad.
Haris Sohail is the next man in.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. OUT! Ireland draw first blood! This game isn't over, folks! What a delivery to nip out the Pakistan vice-captain and the hosts are over the moon. Tim comes in and lands it on a fuller length outside off, Ali without any feet movement tries to defend it. The ball shapes away a bit, takes the outside edge and goes into the bucket-like-hands of Paul Stirling at first slip who makes no mistake.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Wow, Ali once again uses his feet but seeing the length touch short. He decides to defend it.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Good shot from Ali, he is trying to be positive! Fuller length ball on off, he dances down the track and whips it to the right of the man at mid on. They take a couple.
Tim Murtagh to Azhar Ali. Full pitched delivery from Murtagh and driven by Ali down the track. The ball rolls on and hits the wickets at the other end.