Sharjeel 152 hands Pakistan massive win

However, with Sharjeel in a punishing mood, the innings – and match – was only going to go Pakistan’s way. Sharjeel powered to his half-century off only 34 balls, and stepped on the accelerator even more tellingly after that, bringing up his hundred off 61 deliveries and continuing to plunder runs till he was dismissed.

The day had begun brightly for Ireland, with McCarthy snaring Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, in the fourth over to leave the visiting side 17 for 1, Niall O’Brien taking the first of his four catches. But Mohammad Hafeez gave Sharjeel good support in a recovery stand of 90, and Pakistan never looked back after that. Babar Azam and Sharjeel put on 94 for the third wicket off just 63 balls, of which Azam’s contribution was a relatively meagre and sedate run-a-ball 29.

A late wobble in the form of Sharjeel and Sarfaraz’s quick dismissals was quickly pushed aside with Malik and Nawaz’s fine stand ensuring a mammoth total.

Ireland needed a terrific start to mount a successful chase, but the home side lost Paul Stirling off just the second ball, castled by Mohammad Amir. That set the tone for the innings, and wickets tumbled regularly. At 55 for 6 in the 16th over, the match was headed only Pakistan’s way, and though Gary Wilson (21 off 33) and Andy McBrine (14 not out off 21) put together a 26-run stand – the highest of the innings from the two top-scorers – it only delayed the inevitable.

Imad, who had taken two wickets in five overs, then finished off the tail in the blink of an eye, getting the last three wickets in four balls to bring the match to a swift end. His 5 for 14 were Pakistan’s standout figures, with Umar Gul raking in 3 for 23 in his first ODI since April 2015.

For full match scorecard, click here