Pakistan on Saturday beat Ireland in their 1st one day international (ODI) cricket match by seven wickets. With this victory, Pakistan went 1-0 up in the two-match series.

Ireland's first game since returning from the ICC Cricket World Cup was in danger of petering out in an embarrassing defeat to Pakistan in the first of the two-game series.

The weather was a typically steely grey Belfast day. A 38 over game was the plan then – and a 36 over one after a short break – but Ireland conspired to reduce it further when they were bowled out in exactly 20 overs.

Their total of 96 was pitiful, especially after Paul Stirling had thrilled the home fans with a startling innings of 39 from just 22 balls.

Pakistan overhauled the victory target in 27.3 overs for the loss of three wickets after Ireland, batting first after loosing the toss, reached 96 in 20 overs.

In Pakistan’s reply, Muhammad Hafeez’s 52 runs innings was well supported by Taufeeq Umar (23).

Junaid Khan took 4 wickets for 12 runs, followed by Saeed Ajmal (3-7).

Notable wicket-taker for the Ireland was Alex Cusack (3-13).