29 May,2011 09:51 AM IST | | AFP
Pakistan's Junaid Khan ensured Ireland came back down to earth after their World Cup exploits as the hosts were bowled out for just 96 in the first one-day international here Saturday.
Left-arm paceman Junaid, in only his fifth match at this level, made light of the cold and blustery conditions at Stormont to take four wickets for 12 runs in five overs before off-spinner Saeed Ajmal polished off the tail with three for seven in three.
Ireland, who at the World Cup defeated old rivals England in Bangalore, were dismissed in a mere 20 overs.
Rain, which had reduced what should have been a 50 overs per side contest to 38 before a ball had been bowled, returned to cut the match to 36.
At the interruption, Ireland were in trouble at 76 for six and it would have been even worse but for a whirlwind 39 from 22 balls by Paul Stirling.
Pakistan in reply chased down the target in 27.3 overs losing three wickets. Mohammad Hafeez top-scored with 52.
