Ireland embarrass Pakistan by five wickets

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Cricket minnows Ireland in a major upset gave unpredictable Pakistan a three-wicket embarrassment in a thrilling group ‘D’ World Cup encounter here today.Through an amazing extra-ordinary performance, Ireland first skittle out Pakistan for a paltry 132 in 45.4overs and then achieved the target in 41.4 overs for the loss of seven wickets when captain Trent Johnston hit a huge six off Azhar Mahmood. Wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O’Brien top scored with 72 off 197 deliveries. He struck six fours and one six during his innings and was later declared the man-of-the-match.From Pakistan, fast bowler Mohammad Sami took three wickets for 29 and Iftikhar Anjum got two for 29 while off-break bowlers Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez claimed one wicket each.Earlier, Ireland captain won the toss and chose bowling against Pakistan to take advantage of the moisturous green-top Sabina Park pitch. His bowlers, fully supported by their fielders, utilized the conditions to make Pakistan collapsed. None of the Pakistani batsmen could make any significant score except Kamran Akmal who made 27 but the top-scorer was Mr. Extras with 29 runs. Only four players could reach double figures.From Ireland side, medium-fast bowler Boyd Rankin captured three for 32 while medium-pacer Andre Botha and off-spinner Kyle McCallan claimed two wickets each for 12 and five runs, respectively.