Misbah urges Pak to improve game following 'surprise' Ireland tie

Pakistan Test and one-day captain Misbah-ul Haq has said that it is a must for his team to improve in all three departments of the game ahead of the series decider with Ireland, before the ICC Champions Trophy.

Kevin O'Brien hit a dramatic four off the last ball of the first one-day international on Thursday to deny Pakistan victory and earn Ireland a dramatic tie, the 28th in ODI history, Sport24 reports.

Although Misbah urged his team to improve in all the batting, bowling and fielding formats, he praised Ireland for their performances, saying that even though the Irish needed almost 10 an over for the last 12 overs but they batted well and earned the tie.

According to the report, in contrast, Pakistan lost the advantage in a game they were almost winning until the last ball of the game, during which Pakistani bowler Mohammad Irfan dropped a crucial catch on O'Brien on 19, which ensured an exciting finish for Ireland.

However, Pakistani batsman Asad Shafiq said that such catches are a part of a game, adding that they were hoping for a tough encounter against Ireland as it would have been a good preparation for the Champions Trophy.

Shafiq, who took advantage and shared a second wicket stand of 188 with Hafeez, said that although he was pleased to get the highest score in the game, he was also disappointed at not earning a century.

Meanwhile, O'Brien said that Ireland got so close to their victory target of 276 in 47 overs that the tie felt like a loss, adding that to come close and not get over the line is tough to take.

However, the cricketer reflected that it the tie would feel easier as time passes, adding that Irish cricket is improving and they just need to be consistent and put several good performances in a row to clinch a solid position in the world order.

O'Brien also said that the team is a good position to win the series on Sunday despite Pakistan's might.

O'Brien, whose unbeaten 84 was his highest score for Ireland since his century, had masterminded the shock of the 2011 World Cup, when the Irish defeated England in Bangalore, the report added.