Mon, 30 May 2011 - Ireland vs Pakistan, 2nd One Day International - Bulletin

Pakistan complete washout with five wicket win

Pakistan completed the white wash against Ireland after they defeated the home team by five wickets in the second and final ODI at Stormont, Belfast. The Pakistan successful chase was largely possible due to fifth wicket partnership of 89 runs between Younis Khan and Umar Akmal. Pakistan were in a spot of bother when their skipper Misbah-ul Haq departed with team still needing 91 runs off 78 balls to win. Akmal who joined Younis after Misbah’s fall was in an aggressive mood hitting unbeaten 47-ball 60 and senior batsman Younis also hit a classy half century to help their side to achieve the target of 239 in 49th over.

Unlike the first game, the home team proved to be far better competitors as they put up a decent batting performance led by young opener Paul Stirling’s terrific century following up that with spirited fielding and bowling performance. However, Pakistan proved their superiority by seizing the key moments of the game to emerge as the eventual winner.

The tourists didn’t have an easy going during the chase when they lost in-form opener Mohammad Hafeez for a duck to experienced Trent Johnston with just two runs on scoreboard.

Taufeeq Umar and debutant Azhar Ali batted sensibly to steady the innings taking the score to 65 but both fell in a quick succession to give Ireland an upper hand. Taufeeq was dismissed by Kevin O’Brien for 31 while Azhar had a good debut scoring 39 before becoming the victim of Boyd Rankin. It brought Younis and Misbah, two senior men, together who absorbed the pressure well to combine for another productive partnership 68 runs. The runs though came at a slow pace forcing required run rate to go past seven runs an over as Misbah departed while going for a big shot.

The arrival of Akmal upped the ante as talented batsman played some brave strokes to take attack to the Ireland and it rubbed on Younis as well who unleashed some sweet drives and pull shots to put chase under control. The duo didn’t let pressure to get better of them as Ireland didn’t have the answers to stem the run flow. Younis though departed for 64 but it virtually game done and dusted as Umar pulled one to square leg for four for Pakistan third consecutive ODI series win.

The highlight of Ireland batting display was Stirling who smashed 107-ball 109, his fourth ODI ton and first against a test playing nation, to punish Pakistan bowlers and help his side to a competitive total of 238. The rest of the batsman though batted with unimpressive strike rates but a 25-ball 33 cameo from G Wilson gave home much needed late charge.

The stocky right hander was in terrific hitting form as he unfurled some terrific pull shots, cut shots, square drives and flick shots on his way to memorable century. He didn’t care for reputation as he hit a six each of Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Hafeez and Hammad Azam to go with his seven fours.

Ireland were well placed at 167 for 2 in 39 overs when they decided to take a batting powerplay but fielding restrictions proved to be their undoing. They could only score 23 runs in the five powerplay overs and lost Stirling and big hitting Kevin O’Brien as off spinner started to weave his magic to halt hone team’s late aggression. Wilson though got away five crucial boundaries away in the end to take his side to healthy total.

With series whitewash Pakistan would feel they have sort of avenged the disastrous defeat they were handed by Ireland in ill-fated World Cup, 2007 at West Indies that eventually led to their early exit. It should also give Misbah captaining Pakistan in first full fledged ODI series after replacing Shahid Afridi some confidence as he looks all set to take over captaincy in all three formats of the game.