Paul Stirling Hits Stormont Century

Captains Misbah Ul-Haq and William Porterfield at the toss

Opener Paul Stirling hit a century to lead a vastly-improved Ireland batting display in the second one-day international against Pakistan in Belfast.

Ireland managed a mere 96 in their seven-wicket defeat in Saturday’s opening game, but the 20-year-old Stirling ensured there would be no repeat with an impressive and responsible innings that helped his side reach 238 for eight.

Saeed Ajmal was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with four for 35, including late wickets which stopped the hosts from pushing on after Stirling was finally dismissed for 109 from 107 balls.

The right-hander had characteristically taken up the attack early, but wisely picked his moments thereafter to score his third one-day century and his first against a full-member nation.

His fluency also eased the pressure on his team-mates, who were under the spotlight following their capitulation two days ago.

That had undermined the hosts’ hopes of impressing ahead of an ICC chief executive’s committee meeting next month, when they are to discuss over-ruling the omission of Ireland and their fellow associate countries from the next World Cup.

Today’s batting performance was more reflective of the form that had led to widespread calls for Ireland to be given a route back into the World Cup and, more pressingly, set up the chance of a series-levelling win.

Ireland captain William Porterfield made the brave choice to bat first after he won the toss on the same Stormont wicket his unchanged team had disappointed so emphatically two days ago.

His decision was soon rewarded as Ireland surpassed their horror opening game 96 for the loss of only Ed Joyce (17), who edged behind off Ajmal.

Stirling was quickly in his stride swiping both Junaid Khan and Umar Gul over the square boundaries as the seamers enjoyed far less assistance.

Stirling’s play was not all aggression, though, and after his skipper Porterfield (15) was bowled by Mohammad Hafeez he intelligently worked the ball around the field as he dug in for a big score.

It was mature batsmanship from one of Ireland’s most promising young players and he was rewarded for it with a century from 94 balls, which included seven fours and a six.

He was out-bowled trying to thrash Junaid in the final over of the batting powerplay, during which Ireland only scored 23 runs despite Stirling and big-hitter Kevin O’Brien batting for the most part of it.

O’Brien (10) never hit his stride and, along with John Mooney (six), fell to the clever Ajmal as Ireland made 67 for six from the last 10 overs.

Gary Wilson, in his 100th game, provided the bulk of those with 33 from 25 balls before he was bowled in the final over.