Ireland scripted history on Friday at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin as they won the first T20I against Pakistan in the three-match series.

The hosts won by five wickets as they chased 183 in twenty overs. The tourists, who were playing with their full strength, could not defend 11 runs in the final over.

The three-match series is a pre-cursor to the T20 World Cup for both sides. The mega event will begin next month in the United States and the West Indies.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam with a fifty was the leading run-scorer for his team. Together with Saim Ayub, they made a partnership of 85 runs.

In response, Ireland lost a couple of wickets in the powerplay. But Andrew Balbirnie ensured that his side took the game to the end. He made 77 runs.

Many viewers believe it was an insipid fielding effort from Pakistan that made the difference.