Ireland beat Pakistan... at cricket

Maybe we don't really need to specify the sport, but there are times when you just need to reinforces something. Ireland aren't particularly recognised as a cricketing nation. Pakistan are.

Following on from Ireland's tied game against Zimbabwe, they've now gone one better and actually defeated Test opposition. They've knocked Pakistan out of the World Cup and given themselves a great chance of qualifying for the next round.

As with that tied game, it was once again a true team performance in the field. Determined fielding abounded and the wickets were shared between six bowlers. Pakistan are prone to the occasional collapse and it was a helpful, green wicket, but 132 all out represented a colossal triumph for Ireland all the same.

In chasing down that total, the plaudits must go to Niall O'Brien, Ireland's wicket-keeper. Only two other players passed 20 in the entire match. Niall O'Brien hit 72.