Pak remember Woolmer after avenging '07 WC loss to Ireland

Updated on: 16 June,2009 08:11 AM IST |
Agencies |

Apart from being a must-win game for Pakistan to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 semi-finals, there was a lot of history surrounding their Super Eights game against Ireland.

Apart from being a must-win game for Pakistan to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 semi-finals, there was a lot of history surrounding their Super Eights game against Ireland.

This was the first match between the sides since Ireland's shock win over Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean a result which was overshadowed hours later by the death of then Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer.

"He was an inspiring person for us. He was like a father-figure for me and the whole team," captain Younis Khan, paying tribute to former England batsman Woolmer, told reporters after Pakistan booked their place in the World Twenty20 semi-finals with a 39-run victory at the Oval yesterday.

The defeat ended Ireland's slim hopes of qualifying for the last four.

Pakistan made 159 for five and then held Ireland the only non-Test side to have reached the second round Super Eights to 120 for nine.

Although pleased Pakistan were in the last four, Younis said their batting required improvement. "We were still 20 runs short. It's not possible all the time to score 150 and restrict the opposition," he added.

"Especially against teams like South Africa, England and the West Indies, we need 170 plus."

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