Stirling century not enough for Ireland

OPENER Paul Stirling’s century was not enough as Pakistan did just enough to beat Ireland by five wickets and claim a 2-0 one-day international series win in Belfast.

Stirling hit an impressive 109 to lead a vastly-improved Irish batting display after they had been bowled out for just 96 in Saturday’s opener.

The former Irish Examiner Junior Sports star had characteristically taken up the attack early, but wisely picked his moments thereafter to score his third one-day century and his first against a full-member nation.

Ireland this time managed 238 for eight, a total that might have been bigger but for some clever bowling from Saeed Ajmal (four for 35) at the end which proved crucial as Pakistan made heavy work of the chase.

The tourists crawled past 100 in the 30th over but half-centuries from Younus Khan and Umar Akmal, who provided the much-needed late hitting, saw Pakistan across the line with eight balls to spare.

Defeat for Ireland meant they failed to claim a timely win over a full-member nation with their, and the associate nations’, World Cup hopes still up in the air.

The ICC chief executives’ committee is due to meet next month to discuss the possibility of over-ruling their omission from the 2015 tournament.

Yesterday’s performance was, however, more reflective of the form that had led to widespread calls for Ireland to be given a route back into the World Cup, while 20-year-old Stirling’s impressive century – his first against a full-member nation – underlined the young talent emerging from the country.

* England pulled off one of the most remarkable victories in Test history as they skittled Sri Lanka for just 82 on the final afternoon to win the first Test by an innings and 14 runs in Cardiff.

Graeme Swann (four for 16) and Chris Tremlett (four for 40) were the heroes as the tourists simply crumbled in just 24.4 overs.

England had briefly batted when play got under way at 3pm after yet more rain at the SWALEC Stadium, Ian Bell (103 not out) getting his 13th Test ton before they declared on 496 for five – a lead of just 96, which incredibly proved to be enough.

Ireland 238-8 Innings Complete (P R Stirling 109, Saeed Ajmal 4-35) v Pakistan 242-5 (Younus Khan 64, Umar Akmal 60 no) Pakistan beat Ireland by 5 wkts.