“Full credit to Ireland. They needed almost 10 an over for the last 12 overs but they batted well and we know we will have to improve our performance,” said Misbah.

In contrast, Ireland got so close to their victory target of 276 in 47 overs that the tie felt like a loss, according to O’Brien, whose unbeaten 84 was his highest score for Ireland since his century masterminded the shock of the 2011 World Cup, when the Irish defeated England in Bangalore.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

“To come so close and not get over the line is tough to take but when we have time to reflect I suppose it will be easier to take,” said O’Brien.u00a0“We definitely feel we can win the series. We respect Pakistan, they are a great team but we have nothing to fear having come so close here, we know a different bounce of the ball and we come out with a victory and that's what we will be targeting on Sunday.”

In contrast, Pakistan were trying to take the positives from a game they were always winning until the last ball of the game.