A humiliating loss in the first two games followed by four good victories carried Pakistan into the quarter-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. In a tensed match against Ireland on Sunday, Pakistan completed an easy win over the Irish team to seal their spot. Memories of 2007 must have haunted the team but this time, they made sure that they don't make the same mistake.
Ireland having won the toss, elected to bat first. It was a one-man show for the Irish team as captain William Porterfield's (107) brilliant century aided the team to post a total of 237 all out in 50 overs. There were three partnerships, 48 between Andrew Balbirnie (18) and Porterfield, 48 between Gary Wilson (29) and Porterfield and 45 between Ed Joyce (11) and Porterfield which was crucial for Ireland. The Pakistan bowlers did a fine job in limiting the Irish brigade. Wahab Riaz (3/54) again the best bowler while Sohail Khan (2/44) and Rahat Ali (2/48) gave Wahab the much needed support in the absence of Mohammad Irfan.
While chasing, Pakistan never looked in trouble as an opening stand of 120 runs between Ahmed Shehzad (63) and Sarfraz Ahmed (101*), pretty much handed them the game. Ahmed carried on to score a brilliant unbeaten century and leading his team to a seven-wicket win as they wrapped up their innings and scored 241 in 46.1 overs. In the process, Misbah-ul-Haq (39) played the supporting role before being dismissed hit wicket off Alex Cusack. The Irish bowler never got going as only Cusack (1/43) and Stuart Thompson (1/59) picked up the wickets.
Sarfraz Ahmed was awarded the Man of the Match. Ireland bows out of the tournament while Pakistan moves on to face Australia in the quarter-final. Full Schedule of the quarter-final & results here: http://www.tensports.com/event/cricket/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015