Irish up for Pakistan challenge

Trent Johnston started to feel the heat against Zimbabwe in Jamaica © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Ireland are relishing the chance to further upset the odds when they face Pakistan in the third Group D match of Cricket World Cup 2007 on Saturday at Sabina Park, following their morale-lifting tie against Zimbabwe.

Trent Johnston’s side dismissed Zimbabwe for 221 off the last ball of their match on Thursday, and they are looking forward to facing Inzamam-ul-Haq’s side on St Patrick’s Day.

“It’s going to be hugely difficult to go out and beat Pakistan,” Johnston said.

“They have a great batting line-up and their bowling is of a very high standard too, even though they are missing a couple of bowlers.

“We are not saying that we will go out and win that match, but if we can be competitive and give everything and play to our best ability, then I think we can come off the pitch with our heads held high no matter what the scores.”

Johnston admitted there are some areas in which his side need to improve if they are to avoid the full brunt of the backlash from Pakistanis, who were stung by hosts West Indies in the opening game of the tournament on Tuesday at the same venue.

“If we bowl well up front against Pakistan, and if we bat well, we could be competitive,” he said.

"If we're going to beat Pakistan we'll have to play out of our skins and give it 120 per cent.

"We have to play for 100 overs if we're going to beat Pakistan and do the same against the West Indies. We will have to bring our A game to all three disciplines.

“We're going to get out there and fight hard. Who knows what is possible? We beat the West Indies a few years ago, so anything is possible in sports.”

To guarantee a spot in the next round, Pakistan need to beat the Irish and Zimbabwe on Wednesday, after losing to West Indies.

This is one reason the Irish should be wary of Pakistan, as well as the knowledge that the last time the 1992 World Cup champions played an ICC Associate side in a World Cup match, they beat Namibia by 171 runs.

Bob Woolmer expects a tough encounter © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer will not be taking the Irish lightly, particularly after he watched them put the skids on South Africa in a warm-up match last week and Thursday’s contest.

“I have watched Ireland and I have been impressed by their discipline,” he said.

“Our game against Ireland will be a tough one as they have proved that they are one of the best equipped of the Associate sides and are very keen and well-organised.”

Woolmer feels it is too early to talk about his side being in a tight corner, and he felt Tuesday’s defeat was a wake-up call.

“Let's make sure we remain positive for the rest of the tournament,” he said.

“The opening match of the World Cup was the type of game we can expect from all the sides here. It was a tough, no-holds-barred game.”

Pakistan may experiment with Kamran Akmal in opening position instead of Mohammad Hafeez, and may consider Mohammad Sami ahead of Rana Naved-ul-Hasan.