Dublin: Pakistan debutant Imam-ul Haq saw his side to victory as Ireland's first match in men's Test cricket ended in a gallant last-day defeat by five wickets at Malahide on Tuesday.

Pakistan, set a seemingly modest 160 to win, after earlier making Ireland follow-on, collapsed to 14 for three before lunch on the fifth day. But the 22-year-old left-handed opener Imam, the nephew of Pakistan selection chief and former captain Inzamam-ul Haq, responded to the pressure with 74 not out - his maiden fifty at this level.

Together with Babar Azam, who made 59 after being dropped on nine, he kept Ireland at bay during a fourth-wicket stand of 126.

Imam hit the winning runs as grey clouds threatening rain hung over Malahide. Victory was a good way for Pakistan to prepare for the first of a two-Test series against England, starting at Lord's on May 24.

Just four balls into their chase, Pakistan saw Azhar Ali edge Tim Murtagh to Paul Stirling at first slip. Haris Sohail (seven) fell next, well taken in the gully by Ed Joyce off towering fast bowler Boyd Rankin as Ireland's two former England Internationals combined.

And 13 for two became 14 for three in 4.3 overs when Middlesex paceman Murtagh produced a superb delivery to bowl Asad Shafiq between bat and pad for one.

Imam, who bats in spectacles, showed maturity beyond his years. He struck two fine fours off Stuart Thompson, a square cut followed by a square drive.

Ireland needed to take every chance that came their way but, with Babar yet to add to his interval score, he was dropped in the slips by Andrew Balbirnie.

Imam, having cover driven a four off Rankin, completed a 61-ball fifty with seven boundaries - the third time he had reached the landmark this tour after half-centuries in warm-up matches against Kent and Northamptonshire.

Agencies