Akmal’s late flourish denies Irish famous win

Ireland were denied a historic win, as former Limavady professional Kamran Akmal blasted Pakistan to a two-wicket victory in the second RSA one-day international at Clontarf yesterday.

Akmal helped the Roeside club win back-to-back Senior Cups in 2002 and 2003, and used his experience of Irish conditions to hit a match-winning 81 off 85 balls.

Akmal and Wahab Riaz (47 from 35 balls) put on 93 in 62 balls for the eighth wicket to seize the initiative from the Irish, who had been favourites for much of the game after a disciplined batting and bowling performance.