OTD | Ireland defeated Pakistan in a World Cup 2007 clash by 3 wickets at Kingston

This article will discuss On This Day Ireland defeated Pakistan in a World Cup 2007 clash by 3 wickets at Kingston. Ireland is known to be a giant killer in international cricket. The Irish team has done that multiple times in the past, particularly in global tournaments. On this day, Ireland pulled off one such result when they defeated Pakistan in a group-stage match at the ODI World Cup 2007. 

Pakistan decimated 

Tent Johnston, the Irish skipper, won the toss and was elected to field first. Right from the word go the indications were clear. It was going to be Ireland’s day. In the very first over, Mohammad Hafeez was shown the way back by the fast bowler Dave Langford-Smith. Pakistan suffered another major blow when Boyd Rankin dismissed the experienced Younis Khan for a duck. The 1992 World Cup winners were in a spot bother with 15/2 on the scoreboard. 

Imran Nazir and Mohammad Yousuf showed some resolve but it could not last for too long. Yousuf had to go back after their 41-run partnership. With his departure started a collapse that engulfed the whole Pakistan batting lineup. None of the big names like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik could not do anything. Eventually, Ireland restricted Pakistan to a miserable total of 132 in the first innings.

Ireland waded through to achieve a memorable victory

Ireland certainly had the edge at the end of the first innings but they still had to make 133 runs to register the win. Pakistan had a potent bowling attack. With the new ball, Mohammad Sami troubled the Ireland batters and also dismissed Jeremy Bray and Eoin Morgan to give Pakistan a good start in the second innings. Opener William Porterfield and Niall O’Brien added nearly 50 runs for the third wicket but Pakistan struck back with a couple of wickets in quick succession. Porterfield and Andre Botha’s dismissal reduced Ireland to 70/4. However, it was Niall O’Brien who was solid at one end and smashed crucial 72 runs to push Ireland closer to the target. 

There was one last twist left in the tale. Within one over Ireland lost three more wickets including Niall O’Brien’s. With 113/7 on the board, The Irish team was staring down the barrel of a defeat but Kevin O’Brien and Trent Johnston saved the team from a disaster. The duo completed the run chase and gave Irish fans a moment to cherish. Niall O’Brien, Ireland’s main protagonist, was awarded the player of the match for his extraordinary batting effort.