Johnston restrained about match with Pakistan

Trent Johnston, the Ireland captain, though jubilated with the unexpected tie with Zimbabwe, was restrained in making predictions for their next game against Pakistan. He felt that if they bowled and batted well then Ireland could be competitive against Pakistan.

Ireland tied the match after running out Ed Rainsford off the last ball of the match. Zimbabwe had been looking good at 92 for 1 chasing 221. But then they collapsed spectacularly ending up needing nine of the last over with a wicket in hand.

"We will get out there and give it everything that we've got. If we're going to beat Pakistan we'll have to play out of our skins, and give it 120 per cent.

"We're going to get out there and fight hard. Who knows what is possible? We beat the West Indies a few years ago, so anything is possible in sports.

West Indies were bowled out for 25 in a two-innings-a-side match in 1969 and Ireland won by nine wickets.

"We have to play for 100 overs if we're going to beat Pakistan and do the same against West Indies. We will have to bring our A-game to all three disciplines."

Having lost their first game of the World Cup to West Indies, Pakistan will have no option but to take Ireland seriously. That the match is on St Patrick's day won't help their cause.

"Our game against Ireland will be a tough one as they have proved that they are one of the best equipped of the Associate sides and are very keen and well-organised," Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, told AFP.

Pakistan lost to West Indies by 54 runs and a loss to Ireland would keep them at the bottom of the Group D points table. "The opening match of the World Cup was the type of game we can expect from all the sides here," Woolmer said. "It was a tough game. In the end, West Indies deserved to win. I had wondered, before the game, if the pressure of the occasion might get to them. I had also wondered if the occasion would spur them on to greater deeds. The wondering is now over."

But Woolmer added that it was too early to say that Pakistan were in a tight corner. "Let's make sure we remain positive for the rest of the tournament," he said.

West Indies lead Group D with two points, Zimbabwe and Ireland have a point each while Pakistan has none.