After the first day washout, the 2nd day of the historic test match between Ireland and Pakistan ended on an exciting note at Dublin. Pakistan was invited to bat by Ireland captain. Ireland bowlers used the conditions well by picking 6 wickets for 159 runs. Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan unbeaten partnership helped Pakistan to end the day on 268 for 6.
Ireland captain William Porterfield won the toss and elected to field first. Tim Murtagh and Boyd Rankin troubled the Pakistan openers with consistent line and lengths. Boyd Rankin picked the first wicket for Ireland in test cricket dismissing Azhar Ali for 4 runs. Tim Murtagh then dismissed another opener Imam UL Haq for 7 runs. Asad Shafiq and Harris Sohail steadied the Pakistan innings with a solid partnership. Pakistan ended the first session at 67 for 2.
After the lunch session, Thompson picked the wicket Harris Sohail for 31 runs. Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam also struggled against the Ireland bowling. Babar Azam was dismissed cheaply for 14 runs. Asad Shafiq reached his half-century off 107 balls. Boyd Rankin got the big wicket of Asad Shafiq for 62 runs.
Ireland picked up another wicket in the session dismissing Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed for 20 runs. Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf struggled against Ireland bowlers but stayed there at the wicket. At tea, Pakistan were 193 for 6.
After the break, both batsmen showed great determination. Faheem Ashraf played an attacking knock reaching a half-century off 52 balls. Shadab Khan reached his half-century off 89. Both of them added unbeaten 109 runs stand for the 7th wicket. Pakistan ended the 2nd day at 268 for 6 in 76 overs.
For Ireland, Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin and Thompson picked 2 wickets each. It was a great effort by Pakistan young batsmen to bail them out of trouble.
Pakistan 268 for 6 in 76 overs (Asad Shafiq 62, Faheem Ashraf 61*, Shadab Khan 52*, Tim Murtagh 2/33)
