Pakistan allowed to impose follow on with less than 200 runs lead

In a historic first, Ireland is currently hosting Pakistan in a Test fixture, after receiving the status from ICC last year. The match was scheduled to begin on May 11 (Friday) but it could only start on Saturday after the first day was completely washed out due to rain. The hosts started out extremely well, but now it gradually seems that the match might be slipping out of their hands.

It was Pakistan that batted first and their team was reduced early to 13/2 and then 159/6 as the Irish bowlers looked to make the most of the conditions. However, the away side made a strong comeback with their lower order and went on to declare at 310/9 just before lunch on Day 3 as debutant Faheem Ashraf scored a memorable 83.

In their first-ever batting effort at Test level, the home team was put to the sword and collapsed in front of a fiery Pakistani bowling attack. They lost their first five wickets for just 36 but did enough to take the total to 130, reducing the deficit to 180 runs. The visitors enforced the follow-on and put Ireland in to bat again, which confused fans on social media as the usual deficit for the follow in 200 runs or more.

Since the first day of the Test was washed-out, the toss took place on Day 2 and as a result, the provisions for four-day games became applicable.

Rule 14.2.2 in the MCC’s Laws of Cricket justifies such a scenario

The same option shall be available in two-innings matches of shorter duration with the minimum leads as follows:

– 150 runs in a match of 3 or 4 days;

– 100 runs in a 2-day match;

– 75 runs in a 1-day match.

Ireland has shown strong nerves in their second innings as they replied strongly. The hosts are currently poised at 319/7, with centurion Kevin O’Brien still at the crease on 118*.

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