Sharjeel Khan (R) celebrates after making a century at the Malahide stadium in Dublin on August 18, 2016. PHOTO: AFP
MALAHIDE: Pakistan thrashed Ireland by 255-runs in the first one-day international at Malahide, Ireland on Thursday.
Ireland were skittled out for just 82, with Imad Wasim taking an ODI best five for 14 and Umar Gul, on his return to the side after an absence of 16 months, three for 23 as Pakistan completed their biggest win by runs in the format, while the hosts posted their second lowest total.
On a green pitch, which played well after a delayed start, Ireland conceded 300 for the second successive game at Malahide, after Sri Lanka amassed 377 for eight in June.
Only Tim Murtagh and McCarthy stood up to the onslaught, with Durham professional McCarthy finishing with his second four-wicket haul in only his seventh ODI, while wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien held four catches.
The Ireland innings got off to a disastrous start with Paul Stirling, returning to the opener's slot, bowled second ball by Mohammad Amir and when Gul was introduced, he took three wickets in 10 balls to reduce Ireland to 32 for four.
Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim struck with his seventh delivery, having Niall O'Brien stumped for 10, one of only four Ireland batsmen to reach double figures.
Nawaz completed an excellent debut with the wicket of Ireland top-scorer Gary Wilson, stumped for 21 as he came down the pitch.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 19th, 2016.
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