O’Brien the hero as Pakistan run ragged

IRISH cricket fans celebrated St Patrick’s Day with an historic World Cup win over Pakistan in Jamaica.

The team caused one of the biggest upsets in cricketing history, dumping Pakistan out of the competition after their opening-day defeat to the West Indies.

After bowling Pakistan out for 132 in the 46th over, the underdogs reached a rain-adjusted target of 128 to take victory by three wickets.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O’Brien was the hero for Ireland, notching up 72 runs, while his brother, Kevin, held on to the match by continuing to score runs and remain in to the end.

Tense Irish fans, who earlier this week witnessed a nail-biting tie against Zimbabwe, could barely contain themselves after the match.

“This is amazing,” said one fan. “I can’t believe Ireland have beaten Pakistan.”

Although Ireland could now lose to West Indies and still qualify for the Super Eight stage, they are not definitely there yet.

But Pakistan – the 1992 World Cup winners and rated fourth in the world in one-day internationals – have now failed to make it beyond the group stages.

Niall O’Brien held together Ireland’s innings with a gutsy 72 before being stumped following an ill-advised charge against Shoaib Malik – but the party started in earnest when Ireland skipper Trent Johnston heaved Azhar Mahmood high into the Sabina Park stands to finish the game with a six.