Ireland stun Pakistan on St Patrick’s Day – Winning their first match against a Test nation

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Ireland stun Pakistan on St Patrick’s Day – Winning their first match against a Test nation

On this day 11 years ago, Ireland caused a true St Patrick’s Day shock as they sent Pakistan tumbling out of the ICC CWC, in what was undoubtedly one of the greatest upsets in the history of the tournament.

In just their second-ever World Cup game – a tied match with Zimbabwe was their first – Ireland put in an extraordinary performance with the ball to dismiss Pakistan, who were ranked fourth in the world in ODIs at the time, for just 132. Boyd Rankin finished with 3/32, while Andre Botha and Kyle McCallan ended with exceptional figures of 2/5 and 2/12 respectively.

Ireland’s wicket-keeper Niall O’Brien led the chase with a fantastic 72, before he was stumped off the bowling of Shoaib Malik.

It was left to O’Brien’s brother Kevin and captain Trent Johnson to finish off the chase in the dark, sparking huge scenes of celebration from Irish players and fans alike.

 

[shokz1408]

I was sat watching it in my Pakistan WC jersey. Still had hope when Sami was bowling, and was left stunned.One of the biggest upsets in our history. Some pain was relieved by India also losing to Bangladesh on the same day and getting knocked out too, but a loss that is amongst our worst.

 

[Hasan123]

Can remember watching the game and watching us be dismissed for such a poor score. And them Ireland getting closer and closer to the score. An embarrassing and dark day for Pakistan cricket.

 

[UP]

That win boosted the Ireland cricket to a new level.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Just eight months ago from this day we were considered one of the favourites for the World Cup. Then we lost Asif and Shoaib, and it was never the same. Never have eleven individuals been so humiliated on a cricket field. Atleast India lost to a full member country.

 

[big_gamer007]

The whole 2007 WC was the worst World Cup I have ever seen as a spectator..

1. Format
2. India and Pakistan crashing out
3. Timings.
4. Pathetic crowd in WI
5. Australian team being just too strong.
6. Loss of bob woolmer
7. Fixing/mafia/murder allegations.



Kudos to Ireland for Winning definitely a top notch performance.. [MENTION=136108]Donal Cozzie[/MENTION] - do many people in Ireland remember the victory or cricket is still an extremely minority sport like darts in India.

 

[shane]

St Patrick's day is indeed a bad day to play Ireland in any sport. Just ask the English rugby team.