IRELAND clinched a sensational three-wicket victory over Pakistan to send the former champion crashing out of the World Cup at Sabina Park on Saturday. Bangladesh defeated India in another match.

Chasing a revised target of 128 from 47 overs in gloomy conditions, Ireland hit the jackpot with 32 balls to spare, when captain Trent Johnson smashed Azhar Mahmood over long-on for six.

The Irish victory handed Pakistan its second straight defeat in the competition, following its 54-run loss to West Indies last Tuesday. The win also provisionally puts Ireland in the lead of Group D.

Bangladesh’s five-wicket win in Port of Spain on Saturday after bowling India out for a paltry 191 left Indian captain Rahul Dravid’s men red-faced and an entire nation seething in anger.

India must defeat first-timers Bermuda by a big margin today and wallop powerful Sri Lanka convincingly Friday to remain in contention for the second round.(SD-Agencies)