Ireland’s star and hard-hitting opening batsman Paul Stirling made a surprise return to take part in the Islamabad United’s Eliminator 2 match against the Lahore Qalanders after was called-up to national team midway through the season.
Paul Stirling is a very well recognised name around the Pakistan Super League and around the world and has made a name for himself as a big hitting opening batsman. He had to leave the Islamabad United team midway through in a dire situation, after was called-up to take part in the T20 World Cup 2022 Qualifiers and the Quadrangular series.
However, he made a last minute surprise return to don the Islamabad colours for their Eliminator 2 clash against the Lahore Qalanders, which they unfortunately lost by 6 runs and were eliminated from the tournament.
Twitting on Stirling’s return, former Ireland cricketer Niall O’Brien thanked the all parties for making it possible for Paul Stirling to return to join Islamabad United for the PSL 2022 playoffs.
Taking to his Twitter account, Niall thanked that Islamabad United and Ireland national team for working so hard and ensure that Paul Stirling could return to the PSL 2022.
Huge thanks to @IsbUnited and @cricketireland for working so hard and closely together to ensure @stirlo90 could make it back to @thePSLt20 , the guy loves the PSL and the people of Pakistan and once there was a chance to return he didn’t think twice. Good luck for the game 👍
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) February 25, 2022Advertisement
He further added that Stirling loves the PSL and the people of Pakistan and when there was a opportunity to return, he didn’t think twice to make his decision.
Talking of the match, it didn’t go well for the Islamabad United as they lost the match by only 6 runs. Paul Stirling couldn’t contribute much and scored 13 runs from 10, but still showcased his big hitting ability, smashing 1 four and 1 six in that inning.
Islamabad’s lower order failed to contribute much as the last three wickets fell from a winning position. Lahore Qalanders will now take on the Multan Sultans in the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 on the 27th February.
