TRENT JOHNSTON: Ireland lacked extra pace to trouble Pakistan

Ireland’s strong finish never materialised as Porterfield (107), Gary Wilson (29) and Stuart Thompson (12) all went in the space of five overs. When the fifth wicket fell, Kevin O'Brien came to the crease. However, he only faced 16 deliveries out of the next 50 balls and failed to make any real impact which proved costly.

Credit must go to the Pakistani bowlers who restricted Ireland to 237, only allowing 48 runs off the last 10 overs on a very good wicket.

Early wickets were necessary if Ireland were to successfully defend this modest total. This didn’t happen unfortunately, with the first wicket not falling until the 23rd over, with Stuart Thompson the bowler.

This opening partnership of 120 laid a strong foundation for victory. Ireland never gave up though, and a good run-out to Balbirnie/Dockrell kept hope alive. Sarfraz Ahmed appeared to be trying his best to run-out everyone he batted with but was joined at the crease by his captain Misbah-ul-Haq, batting in what I think is his best position of No.4. His cool head settled things down very quickly.

When Sarfraz and Misbah brought up their 50-run partnership, Pakistan required just 60 runs from 90 deliveries. Pakistan’s next 30 runs came at a run-a-ball. Finally, Alex Cusack got the wicket of Misbah for 39 when he stepped back on his stumps.

Was there to be a final twist in this crunch game?

The answer was no and the only thing left to work out was whether Sarfraz was going to reach his hundred. Playing only his second game of this World Cup, Sarfraz collected consecutive player of the match awards with his first ODI hundred coming off 120 balls and including six boundaries. The theatre that played out in the attempt to reach his century resulted in a disappointing and fairly farcical finish to the game.

I can’t fault the effort of the Irish bowling unit, but on a flat wicket they just lacked that extra pace to trouble the Pakistan batting line up. Ireland never gave up the fight in the field and this will never change.

Ireland has moved from 12th to 11th in the ICC Rankings after their performances in this World Cup. However, it is Pakistan which will now stay in Adelaide and take on Australia in five days’ time.

Continued investment from the ICC, further opportunities such as meaningful tours and fixtures will see results continually improve for
Ireland and their Associate brothers.

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