Dublin (May 14, 2018): Ireland had their best day so far in their inaugural Test match, ending Day 4 of their clash with Pakistan on 319/7, heading into the final day with a lead of 139 runs with three wickets remaining.
After a disastrous first innings saw the home side bowled out for just 130, Ireland were forced to follow on but scores of 43 and 32 from the opening batsmen Ed Joyce and William Porterfield helped the Irish surpass the Pakistan total of 310 – forcing the visitors to bat a second time if they are to win.
While the bowling of Mohammad Amir had the Irish in trouble at 94/5, there has been a remarkable recovery from Graham Ford’s side.
There were a few historic moments throughout the week of Ireland’s first Test but there was a special moment when Kevin O’Brien became the first men’s cricketer to score a century at this level of the game (ending on 118 not out).
Stuart Thompson also hit a 50 as the Derryman and O’Brien got Ireland’s first century partnership as they increased their lead to 80 just after the tea break.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir took his 100th Test wicket and for all O’Brien’s defiance, the tourists remained well-placed to win this one-off match Ireland started the day on their highly creditable overnight 64 without loss.
But they lost four wickets in Monday’s first session, with left-arm quick Amir — who had both openers dropped during a brief spell on Sunday before going off with a knee problem — enjoying a burst of two wickets for no runs in six balls.
It was a heartening sign for Pakistan ahead of their upcoming two-Test series in England that will feature back-to-back fixtures at Lord’s (May 24-28) and Headingley (June 1-5).
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