Ireland have recovered from a tough day three to make history in Malahide as Kevin O'Brien made an epic test century in their opening test match. The remarkable achievement from the Dubliner comes after 12 years with Ireland.
Pakistan came into the test with a 116-run lead over Ireland, but a strong response meant in the second inning the Irish took a 121 run lead thanks to O'Brien.
What a knock from @KevinOBrien113 Well played ??? #IREvPAK #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/pQwAIDBqZW
— Mohit Choudhary (@Choudharis) May 14, 2018
WHAT AN INNINGS! 💯 @KevinOBrien113 has Ireland's first ever Test century and writes himself into the history books! 👏#IREvPAK pic.twitter.com/92nZHhR7LA
— ICC (@ICC) May 14, 2018
Kevin O'Brien gets to a well-deserved maiden Test 100 in his first Test in Ireland's debut Test! Pakistan desperate to end this innings but not to be; Ireland 296/7 #IREvPAK
— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) May 14, 2018
Brilliant innings from Kevin O'Brien - the first @Irelandcricket player to reach a Test 50, and now the first Irishmen to get a Test Century. A huge reason as to why Ireland are still in this game. #IREvPAK
— Scott Taylor (@ScottTaylorUK) May 14, 2018
Congrats to you @KevinOBrien113 on a special knock #TestmatchHundredonDebut #1stTestHundredforIreland
— Phil Simmons (@Coachsim13) May 14, 2018
Well done to Kevin O'Brien. The Maestro of Malahide
— Jimmy Payne (@jimpayne1967) May 14, 2018
YES! KEVIN O’BRIEN!
— John Duggan (@JohnDugganSport) May 14, 2018
Kevin O'Brien - Ireland's first Test century maker. pic.twitter.com/IKBM5skena
— Emmet Riordan (@emmetrd) May 14, 2018
After heavy rainfall resulted in the whole of Friday's first-day cricket being washed out, Ireland needed to be within 150 of Pakistan after yesterday. O'Brien had laid down the gauntlet prior to today's play calling on Ireland to get 160 or more ahead to make a game of it.
O'Brien was already the first sportsperson from Ireland to appear in 300 matches for his country. Today he faced 194 deliveries to reach his historic 102 not out. The sides are still currently in play.
