Akmal, Ajmal ensure semi-final berth for Pakistan

Jun 15, 2009

Shahzaib Hasan fell for 23 after Pakistan got off to a steady start, opting to bat first•Associated Press

A few hits to the boundaries gave Akmal the confidence•AFP

Akmal continued undeterred, bringing up his fifty off 46 balls•Getty Images

It was Mohammad Aamer who gave Pakistan the first breakthrough•Associated Press

William Porterfield made an impressive 40 but Ireland were always behind the eight-ball, managing just 120 in the end•Getty Images

His opening partner Kamran Akmal was watchful during the early part of the innings•Associated Press

Shahid Afridi, promoted up the order, gave him good support with a 13-ball 24•Associated Press

Abdul Razzaq's cameo of 15 lifted Pakistan to 159•Getty Images

Paul Stirling promised in his brief stay...•Getty Images

Saeed Ajmal was the chief wrecker, taking 4 for 19•Getty Images

Kyle McCallan dismissed Afridi and brought an end to the brisk stand•Getty Images

Ireland's chase started off poorly, as they lost their ace batsman Niall O'Brien in the third over•Associated Press

...but he was sent packing by Shahid Afridi•Getty Images