WHANGAREI, NORTHLAND - JANUARY 16: Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan (L) receives the player of the match award from Paul Tomich, Chairman of Northland Cricket at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup match between Pakistan and Ireland at Cobham Oval on January 16, 2018 in Whangarei, New Zealand. PHOTO COURTESY: ICC

Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi decimated the Irish batting line-up and guided Pakistan to a comfortable nine-wicket win in the International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 World Cup Group D match in Whangarei on Tuesday.

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After deciding to bowl first in bowling friendly conditions, the Boys in Green remained on top and never gave Ireland any relief throughout their innings with immaculate line and length.Harry Tector’s men were eventually bowled out for just 97 in the 29over, as Joshua Little finished with the top score of 24 off 20 balls with the help of two fours and one six.

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For Pakistan, Afridi was the star of the show as he claimed figures of six for 15 in his 8.3 overs, which included three maidens as well, whereas captain Hassan Khan claimed three wickets with his tidy left-arm spin.In reply, the Boys in Green cruised to the target in less than nine overs at the loss of just one wicket. Opener Muhammad Zaid finished the innings with the top score of 43 not out off 19 balls with the help of seven fours and one six.For his outstanding bowling performance, Afridi was named player of the match.