DUBLIN — An unbeaten century partnership between newcomer Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan switched the momentum to Pakistan after Ireland made a credible start to its inaugural cricket test on Saturday. After an opening day washout, Ireland took advantage of seam conditions by making Pakistan bat and reducing the visitors to 159-6 in the second session. Rankin, the former England international and only Irish player with test experience, had the honour of Ireland’s first test wicket when Azhar Ali (4) edged him to second slip in the eighth over. Earlier, Ireland had a first ball in test cricket to remember when Azhar took a single off Murtagh. Ireland is the 11th nation to play the longest format of the game after the International Cricket Council awarded test status last June.

Source: National Post May 12, 2018 10:50 UTC