Despite putting up a good total on the board, Pakistan bowlers were unable to contain Ireland with Irfan dropping a catch and managing a solitary wicket for a rather forgetful day. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Ireland seem to have a habit of surprising Pakistan with their zealous cricketing spirit and they did just that on Thursday night.
Despite Pakistan being able to muster a competitive total of 266 in a rain-revised quota of 47 overs, courtesy Mohammad Hafeez’s unbeaten 122, Ireland were able to earn a thrilling tie after the Duckworth/Lewis method set them a target of 276.
Paul Stirling, who already had a century under his belt against Pakistan, scored his fifth One-Day International (ODI) ton to give his side the perfect start. However, the real hero was Kevin O’Brien, smashing Pakistan’s ace spinner Saeed Ajmal for a six and a boundary in the final over to secure a thrilling tie for Ireland. The teams now contest the decider tomorrow.
The result has been dubbed as a wake-up call for Misbahul Haq’s side, gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy.
The tie prompted the captain to call for an improvement in his side in all departments of the game.
“Full credit to Ireland,” said Misbah. “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.
In contrast, Ireland got so close to their victory target 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 his side defeated England in Bangalore, India.
“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.
“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.”
In contrast, Pakistan were trying to take the positives from a game they were always winning until the last ball of the game.
Crucially, Mohammad Irfan dropped O’Brien on 19 and that was the miss that ensured an exciting finish.
“Missed catches are part of the game,” Asad Shafiq said. “We were hoping for a tough encounter. Playing a match like this is good preparation for the Champions Trophy.”
However, the team management remained positive, hoping the team will raise its performance in the final game.
“There is no need to panic,” a team official told The Express Tribune from Dublin.
“We’ll stick to our plans as the team management feels the team is on the right track.”
‘Team yet to adapt to cold conditions’
The official also said the team was struggling to get used to the cold weather in the UK.
“It will take more time for the team to completely adjust to the cold conditions. This is a challenge players are facing.”
The official added Saeed Ajmal’s worst figures in ODIs were a result of the cold weather as well.
“It was tough to spin the ball — to keep hands warm and get turn.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 25th, 2013.
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“We definitely feel we can win the series.." O'Brian. Noooooooooo, you are wrong! We can let you beat us ourselves!