Although Ireland are still not in a risk-free position, their Kevin O’Brien’s magnificent efforts have helped the team revive after a terrible day-3 in their inaugural Test. This is O’Brien’s first century for Ireland since he smashed the fastest-ever World Cup ton, against England in 2011.

O’Brien has achieved the rare feat of clubbing a century in a Test-playing nation’s maiden five-day game. Only Charles Bannerman (Australia), Dave Houghton (Zimbabwe), and Aminul Islam (Bangladesh) have done this before.

After a flying start with the ball, Ireland had a miserable batting innings against the troublesome Pakistan bowling attack which helped the visitors enforce a follow-on. Porterfield-led Ireland had spluttered to a disgraceful total of 130 runs in the 1^st innings and were somewhat close to an innings defeat by losing six wickets on 157 runs in the second innings.

Triple strike by Mohammad Amir and two more scalps from Mohammad Abbas started dismantling the opponents. But a 114-run stand between O’Brien and Stuart Thompson, however, helped the team revive and get a lead against the men led by Sarfraz Khan. Although Thompson returned to the pavilion scoring 53 runs, O’Brien fought till the stumps were drawn and will resume his splendid 118-run innings on the last day of the game.

After a washed-out first day, Pakistan had registered 310 runs before declaring their innings with a wicket to spare. Ireland are now leading by 139 runs and their performance in the first session of day-5 is likely to indicate the fate the game.

 

Scores:

PAK - 310/9 (decl.)