Ireland v Pakistan
Wisden's review of the 42nd match, Ireland v Pakistan
15-Apr-2016
At Adelaide, March 15, 2015 (day/night). Pakistan won by seven wickets. Toss: Ireland.
Pakistan's straightforward victory ended Ireland's involvement, and underlined the differences between teams playing regular one-day internationals and those restricted to one global 50-over event every four years: between the 2011 and 2015 tournaments, Ireland played nine ODIs against Full Member opponents, to Pakistan's 81. The Irish pace attack comprised Cusack, Mooney and Thompson, who barely tipped 80mph, while Pakistan boasted Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz, all producing reverse swing at nearer 90. The outcome was clear long before the end, delayed by Umar Akmal blocking five balls in a row to allow Sarfraz Ahmed a century, his first, and Pakistan's only one of this World Cup. Porterfield had hit Ireland's second, to build a platform for a late assault. But, once he was fifth out in the 39th over, the Pakistan bowlers proved too good, and the last five wickets added just 55. Openers Ahmed Shehzad and Sarfraz all but settled the contest by putting on 120 in 23 overs. IAN CALLENDER
Man of the Match: Sarfraz Ahmed.
Pakistan's straightforward victory ended Ireland's involvement, and underlined the differences between teams playing regular one-day internationals and those restricted to one global 50-over event every four years: between the 2011 and 2015 tournaments, Ireland played nine ODIs against Full Member opponents, to Pakistan's 81. The Irish pace attack comprised Cusack, Mooney and Thompson, who barely tipped 80mph, while Pakistan boasted Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz, all producing reverse swing at nearer 90. The outcome was clear long before the end, delayed by Umar Akmal blocking five balls in a row to allow Sarfraz Ahmed a century, his first, and Pakistan's only one of this World Cup. Porterfield had hit Ireland's second, to build a platform for a late assault. But, once he was fifth out in the 39th over, the Pakistan bowlers proved too good, and the last five wickets added just 55. Openers Ahmed Shehzad and Sarfraz all but settled the contest by putting on 120 in 23 overs. IAN CALLENDER
Man of the Match: Sarfraz Ahmed.