The Irish Cricket team are celebrating St Patricks Day in the best possible way with a victory over former World Cup Champions Pakistan. On a bowler friendly pitch, the Irish made the most of the conditions routing the world class Pakistan line up for a disappointing 132. All of the bowlers chimed in with Botha destructive and ecconomical claiming 2-5 from his 8 overs including the prized scalp of Inzamam Ul Haq. Rankin also picked up 3 wickets and was backed up by some spectacular fielding with Trent Johnston taking what has been touted as the catch of the tournament so far to dismiss the dangerous Kamram Akmal.
In reply, Ireland had the wobbles with Thursday’s hero Bray trapped in front by Umur Gul for 3 and with EJG Morgan suffering the same fate in Gul’s next over Pakistan appeared to be cruising to victory. Enter wicketkeeper batsman Niall O’Brian to take centre stage and resurrect the Ireland run chase with an innings of class that turned the tide in favour of Ireland. O’Brian who had a stint with North Sydney in 2003/4 stamped his authority on the game with some calculated strokeplay including 6 boundaries and a maximum on his way to a well-earned 72. The job was not yet done however, and tremmors were sent through the Irish camp once again with wickets falling in quick succession. Ireland weren’t to be denied this time though with captain Trent Johnston sealing the victory with a towering 6 over long on.
Ireland now have one game remaining in the preliminary stages of their campaign and this will be against host nation the West Indies next week. As it stands Ireland is on top of Group D undefeated and with smiles firmly planted on their faces. Barring any further upsets, Ireland should make their way through to the Super 8 stage of the tournament an achievement that will certainly have the cricketing world take notice. Stay logged on to the joshy.com for all the up to the minute news from the Irish World Cup Campaign.
