West Indies versus Pakistan was a match-up of equals but there was a resolution. In the Ireland versus Zimbabwe game, though, there was no such luck for either side. The match was an exciting tie and perhaps Zimbabwe would have to be considered the side to have lost out more. They were the more experienced team and in a position to win but choked at the end.

For Ireland, though, the result could not have been better! A completely unexpected result achieved thanks to a fine 115* by Jeremy Bray. To be fair to Zimbabwe, they had not done too badly when bowling considering their attack was perhaps just as inexperienced as Ireland’s, but it was in the batting department that they were let down.

One of the highlights of the game was the innings of Vusi Sibanda who played a patient knock of 67 until he walked on to his stumps! While he was still around, there was hope. But the flame was carried forth by Stuart Matsikenyeri (73 off 76 balls) and Zimbabwe was almost home. When he fell, Zimbabwe needed just 19 runs with more than six overs left. But an inexplicable collapse saw them lose 4 for 13 in the last five overs and they were left stranded at 221, equal with Ireland’s score.

This result doesn’t much alter the balance of the group, since Pakistan and West Indies are expected to win their games against the minnows but one upset in this group could well see the calculations of many go wrong! Zimbabwe and Ireland just need one win against the bigger teams and the whole complexion could well change.

For a team that has lost most of its main players in the last three years, Zimbabwe showed a lot of fight. But the presence of even one experienced player like Tatenda Taibu could have seen them home. As it stands now, Ireland are deemed to be as good as Zimbabwe! And as their captain put it, they tried their best to throw it away, but managed to escape with a tie!

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Ireland Captain, Trent Johnston
On playing at the World Cup
"The first hour was surreal -- just being at the World Cup, seeing the cameras and the fans going crazy -- it was just an unbelievable experience and it is just going to get better"

"We've come here to promote cricket in Ireland and we have shown there is good cricket in Ireland and given people an entertaining game to watch," he added.

On the target set by Ireland
"I thought 221 was enough but of course it depended on how we bowled but I knew if we could squeeze them we could put them under pressure.

On their bowlers Kevin O'Brien and and off-spinner Andrew White
"They are two gutsy cricketers," said Johnston, "There was no shake of the head when I threw them the ball and that is what this team is all about and why we can hang tough like that,"

On their tight bowling
"We squeezed them and then the bowling at the end was outstanding in the last eight overs,"

On the support from Irish fans
"We knew they were coming and there will be more coming for the game on Saturday. They cheered every dot ball and bit of fielding. They were liked 12th and 13th men for us. That is what got us home in the last few overs," he said.

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