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Do you remember the day Ireland announced themselves on the world stage by beating Pakistan?

It was an unforgettable St Patrick’s Day in Jamaica.

THE CARIBBEAN WILL forever hold sentimental memories for those associated with Irish cricket.

Eight years ago, at the World Cup held in the West Indies, victories against Bangladesh and, most famously, Pakistan endeared Ireland to the international cricketing community, providing the catalyst for a vast and ongoing development process.

Now, with the 2015 World Cup just 12 days away, it’s the perfect opportunity to look back on Ireland’s past achievements, not least that indelible day in Jamaica on St Patrick’s Day 2007.

Ireland produced one of the greatest victories in cricketing history by beating Pakistan and dumping them out of the World Cup.

Trevor Byers Cricket / YouTube

Ireland, captained by the talismanic Trent Johnston, won the toss and opted to make first use of an unusually green-tinged pitch. The decision was justified instantaneously as Ireland – who were all amateurs – bowled Pakistan out for 132.

Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 - Pakistan v Ireland - Jamaica PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

After tieing with Zimbabwe in the first game of their campaign, Ireland knew victory over the 1992 World champions would see them qualify for the Super 8 stages.

Although the reply didn’t start convincingly with the now England ODI captain, Eoin Morgan, among those dismissed early, Niall O’Brien produced an innings of consummate mastery to underpin Ireland’s most significant run-chase.

WCUP CRICKET WORLD CUP PAKISTAN IRELAND AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

In the end, it was left to Johnston to hit the winning runs, clubbing a six into the scores of Irish fans occupying the grassy banks of Sabina Park.

WCUP CRICKET WORLD CUP PAKISTAN IRELAND AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Fans enjoying Saint Patricks Day and supporting Ireland in Sabina Park 17/3/2007 Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

“Apart from my two kids being born, [it was] the greatest day of my life,” Johnston has since said about the day.

“To be out there and to change the fortune of a sport in a country where it’s very much a minority sport and put it on the front pages and put it on every radio station and every media outlet around the world that Ireland had beaten Pakistan, it was great to be there. It was a very special moment.”

WCUP CRICKET WORLD CUP PAKISTAN IRELAND

Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 - Pakistan v Ireland - Jamaica PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

It only proved to be the start of Ireland’s modern cricketing history. As the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand edges closer, we’ll be looking back at Kevin O’Brien’s incredible innings as Ireland stunned England in 2011.

You can follow all the build-up to the Cricket World Cup on The42 here.

Can O’Brien repeat his record-breaking century at this World Cup? He’s just hoping to do something half as special

Cricket Ireland have announced who their sponsor will be for next month’s World Cup

Author
Ryan Bailey
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