Former champions Pakistan were eliminated from the World Cup when they lost a thrilling Group D match against part-timers Ireland by three wickets, at Sabina Park, on Saturday. The result is one of the biggest shocks in the nine-tournament history of the World Cup, the first of which was played in 1975.

Ireland, requiring a rain-revised target of 128 to win to keep alive their hopes of a passage into the Super Eight stage, won with a six over mid-wicket by captain Trent Johnston off Azhar Mahmood, with 8.2 overs to spare.

Kevin O'Brien was 16 not out after his brother Niall had earlier scored a crucial 72 on St Patrick's Day, the Irish patron saint.In another upset of the day, 1983 champions India were shocked by Bangladesh by five wickets.

Ireland were coasting to victory at 113-5 but the 35th over of the innings bowled by Rao Iftikhar saw two wickets fall and that created a tense finale. Pakistan were earlier dismissed for just 132 in 45.4 overs as seamer Boyd Rankin claimed 3-32, including 13 wides. Pakistan's top scorer was extras with 29.

Ireland tied their first match with Zimbabwe on Thursday.

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