Balbirnie 'didn't watch last over' in Ireland win

Andrew Balbirnie said he couldn't watch the final over in Ireland's dramatic Twenty20 win over Pakistan after fearing his penultimate over dismissal had cost them victory.

Balbirnie's 77 helped Ireland earn a first win over Pakistan in 17 years as Curtis Campher's last-over runs sealed a five-wicket victory with one ball to spare.

"I didn't watch the last over. I went to the tent and put a towel over my head," said the former Ireland captain, who shared a third-wicket stand of 77 with Harry Tector.

"I felt it was my job to get the team over the line."

But with Ireland needing 11 off the last over, Campher under-edged a boundary off Abbas Afridi and then eventually sealed victory with a leg bye.

"Harry said if we could bat normally till the 13th over, we could get the runs. That was a partnership which set it up," added the relieved opener following the opening contest of a three-match series.

Ireland's only previous victory over Pakistan was their shock win at the 2007 World Cup in Jamaica.

Pakistan skipper and star batsman Babar Azam absolved his bowlers of blame for the defeat.

Azam top-scored for the tourists with 57 in a total of 182-6 that also featured Saim Ayub's 45, but the captain felt his side's total had been below par.

"I think 190 would have been a par score," he said.

"We lost in the fielding and batting. I don't think we executed the plans. A few fielding lapses cost us.

"We attacked in the first six overs but didn't finish well."

Ireland needed 40 to win from the last four overs after Afridi dismissed George Dockrell for 24, but Balbirnie's 55-ball innings, which included 10 fours and two sixes, and Campher's late composure ensured the home side clinched a thrilling victory.

The teams meet again at the same Castle Avenue venue on Sunday and Tuesday.