O’Brien jubilant after win

Wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien and Andrew Botha celebrate an Ireland wicket © Getty Images

Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien insisted his team-mates had been confident of competing against Pakistan despite their status as rank outsiders in the build-up to their famous three-wicket victory.

In one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, Ireland’s bowlers dismissed Pakistan for 132 before knocking off a revised target of 128 from 47 overs in Jamaica on Saturday.

O’Brien, who took 1-29 and made 16 not out in Ireland’s dramatic chase said: “We’ve got a lot of confidence.

“We knew Pakistan were short of confidence in their top order and we knew if we won the toss we would have a bowl and hopefully nick a few of them out early.

“We’re over the moon, with it being St Patrick’s Day as well and we’ll have a few social beers to celebrate.

“Just like last time the crowd were brilliant - they never give up.”

O’Brien collects more runs during his match-winning knock © Getty Images

“Niall (O’Brien, Kevin’s brother) batted brilliantly and held the middle order together. He won the game for us I think.”

Ireland captain Trent Johnston, who took one wicket, two catches and struck the winning runs with a towering six off Azhar Mahmood, said: “I’m over the moon, I’m proud of those guys.

“We were lucky to win the toss but we bowled the ball in pretty good areas and every time we bowled we asked the right questions.

“To beat Pakistan, who have won the World Cup and been at the top of cricket for many years is fantastic.

“We’re just going to enjoy the moment and just being part of a World Cup is an amazing feeling.

“We’ll go into our match with the West Indies with confidence. You saw the way the guys played here and dug in against a world-class bowling attack.”

Meanwhile, Niall O’Brien admitted his man-of-the-match display was the reward for a bout of heavy practice after going through a rough time with the bat.

“Pakistan bowled really well and we just needed a bit of luck early on in our innings.

“Once the hardness was off the ball it got a little easier,” he added.

O'Brien and brother Kevin (right) both contributed to Ireland's famous victory

“It’s been a tough couple of months for me with the bat but today the technique and the skills were back and it was good to get some runs. The hard work has paid off.”

The wicket-keeper was also quick to praise the vocal support of the side’s travelling fans.

“It’s like having a 12th man out there, when things are going badly they’re always there jumping about and having a good time. They were great.”

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was disappointed to see his side dumped out of the tournament at such an early stage but praised Ireland’s efforts in the field.

“They were not easy conditions for batting but credit goes to the Ireland bowlers who bowled tight lines.

“But we played some poor shots.

“We weren’t down after the (opening day defeat to) West Indies but unfortunately these things happen.

“The last two or three years we’ve been playing well but sometimes these things just happen.

“I came here with big hopes.”