Pakistan ease past Northamptonshire in tour match

Sarfraz and co now take on Ireland in one-off Test starting from May 11

Pakistan on late Monday beat Northamptonshire by nine wickets while chasing a target of 133 runs.

Sarfraz Ahmed's men will now face Ireland in the latter's first-ever Test match starting from May 11.

In the match, hosts scored 259 in their first innings to which Pakistan replied with a 428-run first innings total courtesy Asad Shafiq's unbeaten 186 at the number four position.

Northamptonshire's chances in the second innings were boosted by captain Rob Newton who scored 118, while Josh Cobb added a valuable 52 to their total of 301.

Pakistan, set to chase 133, with nearly a whole day in their hand, finished the job courtesy unbeaten half-centuries by Imamul Haq and Haris Sohail.

Azhar Ali was the only man out for Pakistan.

Pakistan's tour to the UK is composed of three Tests. After the one-off Ireland Test, the Men in Green will face England in a two-match series.