Ireland deserve to be at top table, says William Porterfield

William Porterfield feels Ireland proved they belong in cricket’s longest format after their gripping inaugural Test ended in a five-wicket loss to Pakistan.

The 11th nation to compete in the five-day arena were dreaming of a miracle in Malahide when they had Pakistan 14 for three in pursuit of a victory target of 160.

However, an unbeaten 74 for Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam’s 59 helped the tourists claim a victory that had been on the cards once they bowled Ireland out for 130 on Sunday to establish a 180-run lead.