#6 Ireland vs Pakistan (2007)
It’s been 13 years since this unbelievable performance by Ireland. And, many consider it to the stepping stone in the remarkable rise of Ireland, a test-playing nation now.
Ireland, playing just their second-ever World Cup match, invited Pakistan to bat first. Every Irish bowler bowled the best they could while the Pakistani batsmen failed to cope up with it. Rankin picked 3 wickets, whereas McCallan and Botha got 2 apiece. Pakistan disappointed one and all falling for a cheap total of 132.
While every other Irish batsman lacked confidence against the Pakistan attack, Niall O’brien oozed it. With wickets falling regularly, Niall compiled an invaluable knock of 72 taking the team closer to the target of 133. Captain Johnston clubbed the fourth delivery of the 41st for a maximum to seal the deal.
Brief Scores: Pakistan – 132 a/o (45.4 overs) (Kamran Akmal 27, Boyd Rankin 3/32); Ireland – 133/7 (41.4 overs) (Niall O’brien 72, Mohammad Sami 3/29)
Result: Ireland defeated Pakistan by 3 wickets
Man of the Match: Niall O’brien (Ireland)
#5 Ireland vs England (2011)
4 years after their miraculous run in 2007, Ireland continued their dreamy rise in international cricket.
Batting first, England piled up a huge total of 327/8. Everyone from the top-order got going as Trott top-scored with a-run-a-ball 92. Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell also notched up fifties aiding the team put up a challenging total in front of Ireland.
There was little to no expectation from anyone of even a decent fight from Ireland but they showed that they had what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the so-called ‘big boys’ of cricket. Kevin O’brien (113) scored the fastest ever century in World Cup history (50 balls) blazing Ireland to glory.
Brief Scores: England – 327/8 (50 overs) (Jonathan Trott 92, Ian Bell 81, Mooney 4/63); Ireland – 329/7 (49.1 overs) (Kevin O’brien 113, Swann 3/47)
Result: Ireland defeated England by 3 wickets
Man of the Match: Kevin O’brien (Ireland)
