The last day of the Group Stage matches of World Cup 2015, Group B saw two matches of quality bowling as the winners were desperate for a place in the Quarterfinals. India and South Africa had already qualified for the quarter finals, but even on last day three teams were in contention for remaining two positions. Despite showing promises, Ireland showed in the end why it is still not more than a minnow. West Indies proved the talent it possess, while Pakistan again showed how unpredictable it is by treading the same path from least favorite to strong contenders as it did in 1992 World Cup. In the end, West Indies and Pakistan qualified easily, while Ireland was knocked out.
World Cup 2015: Schedules and Results
Scenario Before the Day
- Pakistan and Ireland were tied at 6 points. But Ireland’s NRR was too low.
West Indies had 4 points, but they were favorites in the last match against UAE and had better NRR than Ireland to reach 6 points.
Ireland wins by a slender margin and Pakistan’s NRR remains above West Indies even in a loss.
Only a tie or no result would have made Pakistan and Ireland qualify at the cost of West Indies.
ODI or World Cup Records of the Day
- 107 run partnership for 7th wicket equals the World Record for 7th wicket. Earlier record was also by UAE.
Sarfraz Ahmed is the 7th wicketkeeper to score a century in World Cup.
Porterfield is the 1st Captain from any Associate Country to score a century in World Cup.
8th Batsman to get hit wicket in World Cup is Misbah.
Statistics of the Day
- MOMs: Jason Holder (WI) and Sarfraz Ahmed (Pak)
100s: Porterfield (Ire) and Sarfraz Ahmed (Pak)
50s: 4 (2 from UAE, 2 from WI)
Best Bowler: 4/27 by Jason Holder
Maidens: 11 (WI 8, Ire 2, UAE 1)
4 maidens by Samuels.
100+ partnerships: 2 (107 7th wicket by UAE, 120 1st wicket by Pak)
West Indies def UAE and Assures Itself a Place
West Indies played aggressively against UAE and chased at a pace that took their NRR even above Pakistan. Captain Holder led from the front and did not let UAE settle, in the company of Jerome Taylor. Between them they shared 7 wickets. 6 of the UAE batsmen were bowled. If it was not for their own record equalling 7th wicket 107 run partnership, now between Amjad Javed and Nasir Aziz, UAE were eying below 100 score being 6/46 by 14th over. Holder (4/27), Taylor (3/36), Russell (2/20 with 3 maidens), Samuels (1/25 with 4 maidens) did not give them any opportunity to score. Only Roach (0/54 in 8 overs) was ineffective.
UAE could score only 175, and absence of injured Gayle was no big factor for Caribbean. Smith (15) and Samuels (9) failed. But Johnson Charles (55) and Jonathan Carter (50) ensured there is no hiccups. Needing to chase the total before 36 overs to get ahead of Pak’s NRR, Russell was sent early but he could score only 7 runs. Ramdin (33*) ensured they reach the target in 30.3 overs only winning by 6 wickets. UAEs Guruge (2/40 with a maiden) and Amjad Javed (2/29 in 8) were respected but Nasir Aziz (0/47 in 6), Captain Mohammad Tauqir (0/22 in 3), Naveed (0/34 in 6) suffeed the brunt of Carribean chase.
Captain Holder was declared Player of the Match.
Pak Clinical Pakistan, Clueless Ireland
Ireland had surprised Pakistan in 2007 World Cup at league stage. Today they needed the win to qualify. For Pakistan, West Indies match result had made clear that only a win could get them in the quarterfinal. Loss of Irfan due to injury was crucial. Considering its strength batting, Porterfield decided to bat.
He did score a century becoming the only captain from any Associate team to score a World Cup century. But his 107 was good enough to take them only to 237 runs. Sohail Khan (2/44), Ehsan Adil (1/31), Wahab Riaz (3/54), Rahat Ali (2/48) and Haris Sohail (1/20) ensured that wickets keep falling from the other end.
Stirling (3), Ed Joyce (11), Niall O’Brien (12), Balbirnie (18), Wilson (29), Kevin O’Brien (8) were clueless against the Pakistan attack. Afridi was the only bowler who did not get a wicket, but his 0/38 in 10 overs was the most economical of the match putting complete break on Ireland’s run scoring.
Ireland has come with a team of batsmen. They would regret that forever now as even in this crucial match they could take only 3 wickets. Ahmed Shehzad (63) and Sarfraz Ahmed added 120 runs for 1st wicket. Haris Sohail (3) faced unfortunate run out. But Misbah (39) and then Umar Akhmal (20*) in the company of Sarfraz (101*) ensured that Pakistan wins by 46.1 overs without any Irish challenge.
Cusack and Mooneyy bowled a maiden each for Ireland, Cusack (1/43) and Thompson (1/59) managed a wicket too but overall all of them were ineffective. Mooney (0/40), Dockrell (0/43), Kevin (0/49) just could not challenge any Pakistani batsmen.
Sarfraz Ahmed received the Player of the Match.
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