Bat with akmal

Seasoned Andy Balbirnie: Following Ireland’s historic win over Pakistan in the first of three T20 internationals, former wicketkeeper batter Kamran Akmal has accused the players of the national side of “prioritizing personal goals” over the team’s collective good.

Seasoned Andy Balbirnie top scored for Ireland with a 55-ball 77, studded with 10 fours and two sixes, as they successfully chased down the target of 183/5 with a ball to spare after restricting Pakistan to 182/6 in their 20 overs.

This Pakistan team is coming off an awkward series that saw them draw 2-2 against a second string New Zealand side at home. Their poor run of form continues as the side lost in an embarrassing manner against Ireland, a team that they are drawn to face in the group stage of the competition alongside India, United States of America and Canada in group A.