The first players to score Test centuries for their countries
Ireland may have ended up on the losing side in their maiden international appearance in whites, but not before winning a lot of hearts and having Pakistan revisit scares of 2007.
After being bundled out for a paltry 130 in their debut Test innings, they showed a lot of character as they came back with a strong performance following on.
After posting a 159 runs second innings lead and leaving Pakistan reeling at 14-3, ripping through their top order, the Irish justified their inclusion amongst the Big Boys for the real 'test'.
Let us revisit the first centurions from each Test playing nation as we welcome Ireland and Afghanistan to the biggest cricketing Test of all.
Ireland: Kevin O'Brien
Ireland's courageous reply to a potent Pakistani attack was lead by none other than burly Irish all-rounder Kevin O'Brien, whose patient sojourn at the crease gave a lot to cheer to the Irish fans.
Coming in to bat at a precarious situation with his team at 94-4, still, 86 runs from avoiding an innings defeat, the right-handed batsman never looked uncomfortable during his five and a half hour batting essay that he will remember for a lifetime.
His 217 ball stay at the crease saw him hit 12 boundaries as he strung a vital 114 run stand with Stuart Thompson (53).
Most famous for his record for the fastest World Cup century that came in 2011 against England, the hard hitting all-rounder curbed his attacking instincts as he clinically rotated the strike.
His effort not just saved Ireland from an embarrassing defeat, but also gave his bowlers some runs to bowl at the visitors that in turn helped them make a match out of it.
Becoming just the fourth batsman to score a century in his country's maiden Test, Kevin O'Brien was deservedly adjudged Man of the Match.