Shadab, Ashraf guide Pakistan to safety in historic Test against Ireland

Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf scored fighting half-centuries to guide Pakistan to relative safety on the second day against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. 

The Men in Green were reduced to 159 for 6 at one stage, but Shadab and Ashraf scored unbeaten 52 and 61 respectively as the visitors finished the day at 268-6. 

For Ireland, Boyd Rankin, Tim Murtagh and Stuart Thompson claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, the home side won the toss and elected to field first. The match was supposed to start at 11 AM local time on Friday, but due to continuous rain and windy conditions, the first day of the match was called off after lunch time without a single ball bowled. 

Ireland will look to do what no side have done in 141 years by winning their inaugural Test when they face the Men in Green in a one-off match.

Not since Australia beat England by 45 runs in Melbourne in 1877 in the first Test ever played has a team got off to a victorious start in cricket's premier format.

Pakistan will arrive at the Malahide ground as firm favourites but Ireland captain William Porterfield hopes some classic local conditions would favour his side.