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Ireland's Kevin O'Brien hits the final ball of the game. INPHO/Kieran Murray
Drawing comfort

A 4 off the final ball earns Ireland a thrilling tie with Pakistan

Stirling and O’Brien were the heroes for the home team.

THE FIRST ONE day international between Ireland and Pakistan ended in an exciting tie on Thursday evening.

Ireland finished on 275 for five chasing a Duckworth-Lewis amended target after several rain delays earlier in the day.

Pakistan had earlier made 266 for five off 47 overs in Clontarf after taking the surprising decision to bat first.

However, several rain breaks failed to disrupt their momentum with Mohammad Hafeez and Asad Shafiq producing a stand of 188 for the second-wicket.

Hafeeez went to make his fifth one day century, punishing any sloppy deliveries from the Irish bowling attack before finishing on 122 not out.

Ireland’s reply got off to the best possible start with opener Paul Stirling making 103 off 107 balls to set the home side up with a chance of victory.

Kevin O’Brien, as he so often does, rose to the challenge and finished his innings 84 not out after facing just 47 balls.

It was O’Brien who ended the game in style too with a sweep for four off the very last ball to give Ireland the tie.

The result is all the more impressive considering Ireland needed 22 off the final two overs.

The two will meet again on Sunday in Clontarf in a winner-takes-all encounter.

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