1st Time In History! Shockwaves Before T20 WC As Pakistan Lose To Ireland. Experts Say, "Some Serious..."

Andrew Balbirnie emerged as the hero for Ireland with a brilliant 77, helping his side to the team's first victory over Pakistan in 17 years as they won the opening Twenty20 international by five wickets in Dublin on Friday. This is Ireland's first win against Pakistan in T20Is. The opener's influential knock was crucial as Ireland chased down the target of 183 with a ball to spare. Victory gave Ireland a 1-0 lead in a three-match series against a Pakistan side they will also face in the group stage of next month's T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies. Reacting to what was just Ireland's second win against Pakistan following their shock triumph at the 2007 50-over World Cup, Shoaib Akhtar and Junaid Khan were left fuming.

Pakistan skipper and star batsman Babar Azam top-scored for the tourists on Friday with 57 in a total of 182-6 that also featured Saim Ayub's 45. Former Pakistan stars, Akhtar and Junaid, shared strong reactions on social media to the defeat.

We need to seriously check out what mistakes are being made. With such a big event coming up, the team is struggling. First we only managed to level the series with a weaker New Zealand side and now we have lost our first t20 against Ireland. Some serious discussion needed.

"We will get better when we will try to play good cricket. The players must think about the team and we will continue to lose if things stay like this," said Kamran Akmal on his YouTube channel.

"I am seeing that players are prioritising personal goals which is not good for the side. The team management will soon identify this," he added

"I didn't watch the last over. (I) went to the tent and put a towel over my head," said Balbirnie, who shared a third-wicket stand of 77 with