Resilient Imam breaks Ireland’s hearts on Test debut

Opener Imamul Haq produced a sublime innings on his debut to help Pakistan register a five-wicket win over Ireland in an historic Test in Dublin on Tuesday.

On the final morning of the match, Ireland resumed their second innings with an overall lead of 138 with three wickets in hand, but only managed to add 21 runs before being bowled out for 339.

For the home side, all-rounder Kevin O’Brien finished the innings with the top score of 118 off 217 balls with the help of 12 fours.

For Pakistan, pacer Mohammad Abbas was once again pick of the bowlers as he claimed five, whereas fellow pacer Mohammad Amir claimed three wickets.

While chasing 160 in the fourth innings, the Men in Green had a horrid start as they lost first three wickets for just 14 runs inside the first five overs.

However a 126-run fourth-wicket partnership between Imam and Babar Azam sealed a comfortable victory for the visitors.

Imam finished the innings with the top score of 74 not out off 121 balls with the help of eight fours, whereas Azam scored 59 off 114 with the help of eight fours.

For Ireland, pacer Tim Murtagh was the most successful bowler in the innings as he claimed two wickets.

For his outstanding knock, O’Brien was named player of the match.