WC: Pakistan beat Ireland, reach final 8

Bowling out Ireland for 237 runs, Pakistan's Sarfraz Ahmed smashed 101 runs to reach the winning target of 241 runs by losing three wickets with 23 balls to spare.

Ahmed and Ahmed Shehzad (63) made a brilliant start to their run chase and posted 120 runs in their first wicket stand before

Stuart Thompson broke the partnership and gave Ireland a thin chance of making a comeback into the match as Haris Sohail (3) was run out to leave Pakistan jolted at 126 for two.

Ahmed maintained the momentum and was joined by skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (39) as they added 82 runs in the third wicket partnership which took them more closer to victory.

Haq was suddenly out in an unique manner as he got himself hit wicket while playing Alex Cusack delivery.

After Haq departed, Ahmed and Umar Akmal (20*) did not let the Irish bowlers return to the game and reached the target in 46.1 overs.

Ahmed anchored his innings and smashed six boundaries in his 124-ball knock.

Cusack and Thompson picked up a wicket each for Ireland.

Earlier, Ireland were bowled out for 237 runs with the highlight of the innings being a gutsy 107 runs knock by opener William Porterfield.

Wahab Riaz took three wickets for Pakistan.

The defeat also smashed Ireland's hopes of qualifying to the next round as West Indies became the fourth team to qualify for the quater-finals.

Brief scorecard:

Ireland:  237 all out (W Porterfield 107; W Riaz 3-54)

Pakistan: 241 for three ( S Ahmed 101; A Cusack 1-43)