Pakistan clinch series in Ireland

Ireland have suffered a six-wicket defeat as Pakistan dominated their T20 series decider in Dublin.

Pakistan eased to their victory target of 179 with 18 balls remaining as a second-wicket partnership of 139 between Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam proved decisive.

Rizwan's 56 from 38 balls was his 28th T20 fifty on the international stage, while skipper Babar smashed five sixes - including four from a Ben White over - and six fours in his 42-ball 75.

The key moment on Tuesday came when Babar was dropped on 19 by George Dockrell on the cover boundary off the bowling of White.

Babar punished that mistake in style with some extraordinary hitting, and Pakistan got across the line despite Mark Adair finishing with three wickets.

Ireland's total of 7-178 was built around a second-wicket partnership of 85 from 49 balls between Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker.

Balbirnie struck 35 from 26 balls while Tucker hit a 41-ball 73, but Ireland failed to take full advantage of being 1-95 at the halfway stage.

Shaheen Shah Afridi produced a superb spell of 3-14 from four overs, removing Ross Adair, Neil Rock and Mark Adair.

Harry Tector (30 not out) produced late defiance, but the target proved well within Pakistan's compass for a 2-1 series victory.