Ireland showed great fight before succumbing to a five-wicket defeat to Pakistan in their inaugural Test in Dublin.

Ireland were forced to follow on after being bowled out for 130 but a fine century from Kevin O’Brien revived their hopes. Their seamers picked up three early wickets as Pakistan chased a tricky target of 160. But in the end, fifties from Pakistan debutant Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam did the job for the visitors.

Ireland gave a good account of themselves in Malahide. However, it shouldn’t come as a total surprise that they were up to the challenge in the Dublin match.

Here are three reasons why Ireland were competitive in their inaugural Test.

FIRST-CLASS EXPERIENCE

While it was Ireland’s maiden Test, their players have played enough first-class cricket. In fact, the combined first-class experience of their team, which amounts to 1103 matches, is substantially more than that of Pakistan – 799 matches.

Granted, Pakistan picked a predominantly limited overs teams as they want to prepare players for next year’s 50-over World Cup. However, that doesn’t take anything away from the fact that Ireland players know the ins and outs of multiple day cricket.

Also, a majority of Irish cricketers play county cricket, with someone like Boyd Rankin having played Tests for the Englishmen. So the chances of them being embarrassed was remote.

CHALLENGING WICKET

A wicket with a tinge of green meant Pakistan’s batsmen were never going to be at ease. It has been a long time since Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan retired but Pakistan haven’t been tested extensively in the longest format since the twin retirements in May 2017.

Medium pace bowlers moving the ball around all day on a wicket tailormade for them can be challenging for most batsmen. More so for Pakistan’s line-up that lacked Test experience.

BEEN THERE DONE THAT

Ireland know how to perform at the highest level. Their performances at World Cups have left a mark on the minds of cricket fans. They famously knocked Pakistan out of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean before pulling off a remarkable chase of 328 against England at the 2011 showpiece event in India.

Seven out of 11 members of that 2011 World Cup game winning team played the inaugural Test against Pakistan. And while the format and conditions were completely different, Ireland did have players who knew what it takes to deliver at the toughest stage.