Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.
Venue- Sabina Park, Kingston [March 17, 2007].
There are many heartwarming underdog tales from the ICC Cricket World Cup. We instantly think of the 1983 Indian fairy tale, Sri Lanka's 1996 triumph, Kenya's 2003 semi-final result, and New Zealand's 2015 runner-up position. Ireland's victory over Pakistan in 2007—a disappointing World Cup edition for many reasons—should also always be on this list, but it is frequently remembered for the wrong reasons. It was the stuff of legends, with Ireland defeating the Asian giants on St. Patrick's Day and with a group of part-timers that included postmen, farmers, and schoolteachers.
Under cloudy skies, Pakistan was asked to bat first. They did not do well against the moving ball and fell apart on a surface that was ideal for fast bowlers. Irish Seamer Boyd Rankin created a steep, unsettling bounce while causing the ball to jag around. The only batsman from Pakistan to display some tenacity against this outstanding bowling display from Ireland was Kamran Akmal, but his meager high score of 27 left Pakistan plunging to a below-par total.
Fast bowler Boyd Rankin claimed three wickets as Ireland crushed Pakistan for a pitiful 132. Johnston led from the front, and there was also some amazing catching. Eoin Morgan, the future Captain of England, too made a few excellent catches. Although the surface had an impact, Ireland's outstanding teamwork paid off. With a formidable fast-bowling arsenal and a relentless mentality, Pakistan was not going to give up this match easily. The atmosphere in the Pakistani dressing room was encapsulated by Mohammad Sami's rage when he steamed in with the new ball, as they were resolved to hold Ireland accountable for their humiliation in the first innings.
After losing both Jeremy Bray and the future England captain, Eoin Morgan, within the first six overs, Irish Scorecard read 15-2. When Niall O'Brien came in at number four, he uncorked a string of boundaries before settling in to finish the innings, which helped to relieve some of the strain on Pakistan. Despite losing two partners along the run chase, he persevered in making a valiant 72 despite being interrupted by an unfortunate rain break. Ireland kept believing as long as O'Brien was at the crease. However, Ireland lost three wickets for five runs after his dismissal in the 34th over, which caused panic in the camp.
However, the second O'Brien, brother Kevin, made sure to complete what the first had begun. Kevin took Ireland home in a spectacular and unforgettable finale after settling in for a very unusual 52-ball 16, which stood in sharp contrast to the vicious 50-ball century that made him famous four years later. It's interesting to note that Ireland's win came 48 hours after they went above and beyond what many had anticipated by playing out a tied match against another another Test Nation Zimbabwe.
Unfortunately the idyllic scenario quickly turned into a nightmare when Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was discovered dead in his hotel room the following morning. Following the outcome, Inzamam-ul-Haq also announced his retirement as captain. Back home in Pakistan, the fans were incensed, which is something India can also identify with.
To watch the Highlights of that ODI, Click Here.
REFERENCES- 1. On this day in 2007: Ireland stun Pakistan for their maiden World Cup win
2. Ireland-Pakistan Test revives 2007 World Cup memories | Crickit
3. World Cup 2019: Incredible result followed by nightmares as Ireland stunned Pakistan in 2007
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