Kamran Akmal and Wahab Riaz help Pakistan win series decider after top order collapse.

by Amir Husain (25 May 2013)

Toss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field

Teams:

Pakistan: Imran Farhat, Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq*, Asad Shafiq, Kamran Akmal†, Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Asad Ali, Junaid Khan

Ireland: Porterfield, Stirling, Joyce, N O'Brien, Wilson, K O'Brien, Shannon, Johnston, Cusack, Murtagh, Dockrell


Ireland innings

After Pakistan's failure to successfully defend a large total in the first ODI, Misbah-ul-Haq had no hesitation in looking to chase in the second and final match of the series. Ireland named an unchanged side while Pakistan left out Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Irfan and Ehsan Adil, replacing them with Abdur Rehman, Asad Ali and Wahab Riaz.

Junaid Khan struck an early blow when the centurion from the previous match, Paul Stirling, mistimed a pull and was caught at mid-wicket by Asad Shafiq. Asad Ali on debut didn't take long to register his first wicket in ODIs, finding Porterfield's edge which was safely pouched by Kamran Akmal. Asad bowled an excellent opening spell of 7 overs, 4 maidens, 1 wicket for 9 runs and helped to keep a check on the scoring rate.

The introduction of Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Hafeez allowed Niall O'Brien and Ed Joyce to up the tempo, picking up singles as well as the odd boundary. Wahab struck however, when he had O'Brien caught behind and Ireland sank further when Abdur Rehman had Wilson caught at slip. Ed Joyce continued to look comfortable though, and brought up a useful half-century in the 31st over. Alongside Kevin O'Brien, the pair had the ability to cause some damage and they did so in the 37th over as Junaid was carted for 20.

Just as they were about to set a platform for the last 10 overs, Rehman had O'Brien caught on the boundary and Shannon, Johnston and Cusack all fell in quick succession. Joyce ensure the momentum wasn't completely lost though, bringing up his century in magnificent style with a six over mid-wicket. Junaid took another wicket in the final over but Joyce remained unbeaten on 116 as Ireland reached a competitive 229/9 in 50 overs.

Pakistan would have been slightly concerned about their death bowling, but Asad Ali showed his potential and may just have done enough to take the 3rd seamer spot in the Champions Trophy. Abdur Rehman also went a long way in justifying his selection in the squad with his best ever ODI figures.

Fall Of Wickets

1-2 (Stirling, 0.5 ov),
4-2 (Porterfield, 3.2 ov),
69-3 (NJ O'Brien, 20.6 ov),
84-4 (Wilson, 24.6 ov),
178-5 (KJ O'Brien, 40.4 ov),
186-6 (Shannon, 43.3 ov),
189-7 (Johnston, 44.2 ov),
189-8 (Cusack, 44.6 ov),
222-9 (Murtagh, 49.3 ov)

Pakistan Innings

Anyone amongst the sell-out crowd or those peering at their computer screens at home could be forgiven to think that Pakistan were facing the fierce West Indies attack of the 70s/80s but 17/4 is not what they would have expected in their wildest dreams (or nightmares). That is precisely what Pakistan crashed to before Captain sensible in the shape of Misbah-ul-Haq appeared to steady the ship along with another experienced head, Shoaib Malik.

The target of 229 now appearing like it was 350+. Misbah and Malik then combined in a useful but brief partnership of 43 before the captain also fell to a catch with Pakistan staring at an embarrassing loss at 60/5.

With the required run rate now moving into the danger zone, Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik were the last recognized pair at the crease for Pakistan but Malik departed with the score on 112. The partnership which was seemingly the last real hope of any success resulted in the addition of 52 runs.

Ireland were pegging away at the notoriously brittle Pakistani batting with Murtagh and Johnston picking two wickets apiece. The writing was slowly appearing on the wall and the Pakistani tail was unable to wag but Kamran Akmal had other plans.

In a manner befitting the Kamran Akmal of old, he composed himself and then took on the Irish bowling attack, playing some stupendous shots along the way. Wahab Riaz at the other end provided ample support for the belligerent wicket-keeper batsman. Together the two players took Pakistan from an almost hopeless position to an unlikely victory with both players displaying some excellent cricketing shots. Kamran (81) was out trying to clear the field in the end but the damage had been done for Ireland, who looked very disappointed to miss out on this opportunity. In the end Wahab Riaz(49), with Junaid Khan's assistance was able to take Pakistan to the winning score


Fall Of Wickets

1-8 (Imran Farhat, 5.2 ov),
2-10 (Nasir Jamshed, 6.3 ov),
3-13 (Mohammad Hafeez, 6.6 ov),
4-17 (Asad Shafiq, 9.2 ov),
5-60 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 20.5 ov),
6-112 (Shoaib Malik, 33.1 ov),
7-133 (Abdur Rehman, 36.6 ov)
8-226 (Kamran Akmal, 47.2 ov)


Match Summary:

It was generally believed that the Pakistan bowling was capable of delivering the sub 200-scores that the frail batting line-up can chase down, but it appears that apart from problems with batting, the Pakistani bowling so far has lacked the penetration it will need to challenge stronger sides. Trent Woodhill will be joining the Pakistani camp as batting coach and it appears to be a stiff task.
An innings of some standing blasted by Kamran Akmal and ably supported by Wahab Riaz saved Pakistan from embarrassment in the end but regardless of his brilliance, the fact is that this type of innings will not be played in every match.

A word too for Ireland, whose commitment was outstanding on the day and series.

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