Porterfield'a 107 lifts Ireland to 237 against Pakistan

Adelaide, March 15 (IANS) Skipper William Porterfield scored 107 but others failed to rally around him as Ireland were restricted to 237 in 50 overs by Pakistan in a crucial World Cup Pool B match at the Adelaide Oval here on Sunday.

Opener Porterfield registered his seventh One-Day International (ODI) century to lift the confidence of his side in the must-win match. With two quarterfinal berths up for grabs, Ireland have six points from five matches, the same as the West Indies and Pakistan.

West Indies won earlier in the day against the United Arab Emirates to grab the third spot with six points. But they are not assured of a place in the final eight. 

If Ireland win, they will advance. Pakistan's progress will depend on run rate. If Ireland lose, the run rate will decide the qualifier between the Windies and the European side.

Right-hander Porterfield hit 11 fours and a six during his 131-ball innings but his teammates were not not able put up crucial contributions.

Opener Paul Sterling (3), Ed Joyce (11), Nial O'Brien (12), Andy Balbirnie (18) perished with the score at 134/4 in 29.4 overs. 

Wicketkeeper-batsman Gary Wilson (29) forged a 48-run partnership with Porterfield before the latter was dismissed by right-arm medium pacer Sohail Khan.

Star batsman Kevin O'Brien disappointed with a score of eight. Lower-order batsmen Stuart Thompson (12), John Mooney (13), George Dockrell (11) and Alex Cusack (1 not out) ensured that they get something to bowl at.

For Pakistan, left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz took three wickets while Sohail and Rahat Ali picked two wickets each. Medium pacer Ehsan Adil and spinner Haris Sohail bagged a wicket each.

Brief scores: Ireland 237 in 50 overs (William Porterfield 107; Wahab Riaz 3/54, Sohail Khan 2/44, Rahat Ali 2/48) vs Pakistan.