Pakistan beat Ireland by five wickets in one-off Test

Sarfraz and co next take on England in two-match series, staring May 24

Ireland on Tuesday seemed to be on track to upset Pakistan in their first-ever Test match, but fighting fifties by opener Imamul Haq and right-handed batsman Babar Azam made sure the visitors chased the 167-run target at Dublin.

Pakistan have won by 5 wickets. We may not have got the win, but it was a fantastic effort from every one of our team on a historic occasion. They’ve done us proud.

Thank you @TheRealPCB for a fantastic Test match.#IREvPAK #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/9cSBRpOKk7

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) May 15, 2018

In a match which saw the first day washed out, Pakistan dominated day two and three of the Test match by declaring their first innings on 310-9.

Ireland were dismissed for 130 and asked to follow on by Pakistan, as the visitors planned to end the match as quickly as possible to avoid any other weather hiccups.

Well done team Pakistan 🇵🇰 , Good Test win vs Ireland in their home conditions , good start of @Irelandcricket for Test format , @KevinOBrien113 star for Ireland 🇮🇪, @ImamUlHaq12 batted 👏🏼👏🏼 & won the match for Pakistan , @Mohmmadabbas111 very well bowled 👏🏼👏🏼

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) May 15, 2018

Mohammad Abbas was the chief destroyer for Pakistan with 4-44 in his 11 overs.

However, after receiving a life off Mohammad Amir's bowling, Ireland veteran Kevin O'Brien scored a debut century to guide his team to 339 in their second innings.

Abbas was once again the hero with the ball as he bagged a five-for in 28.3 overs, giving away 66 runs.

Amir, who walked off the pitch after hurting his left knee on day three, came back to bowl on day four and bagged three wickets to show signs of hope that he'll be fit to fire against England.

With 167 to chase on a day five pitch, Pakistani top-order fell like a deck of cards until Babar joined Imam.

Both batsmen added 126 for the fourth wicket and brought Pakistan near the finish line.

Babar was run out with 20 runs needed, while incoming Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed also couldn't break the tape for his team.

Imam ran a double to fittingly guide Pakistan to victory with five wickets still intact.