Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed struck a splendid century to steer Pakistan into the World Cup quarterfinal round after claiming a comfortable seven-wicket win over Ireland on Sunday in Adelaide.
Opting to bat first, Ireland kept on losing wickets at regular junctures with only skipper William Porterfield able to show some spine against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack.
Porterfield (107) smacked seventh ODI hundred of his career and subsequently found able allies in Gary Wilson (29) and Andy Balbirnie (18), with whom the skipper built 48-run stand for both the fourth and fifth wicket.
Wahab Riaz was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan as he captured three wickets and was significantly supported by Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali, who scalped two wickets each to bundle out Irish side for 237 in their allotted 50 overs.
Chasing a modest target of 237, Pakistan started their innings on a solid note as Man-of-the-Match Sarfraz and Ahmed Shehzad steadily built a solid 120-run stand for the first wicket.
Shehzad scored 63 runs before he was dismissed by Stuart Thompson, while Harris Sohail got run out for mere three runs.
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Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq played a significant 38-run knock before he got hit-wicket out on a Alex Cusack's delivery.
Subsequently, Sarfraz (101*) and Umar Akmal (20*) remained unbeaten to guide their side to victory with 23 balls remaining.
With the win, Pakistan have advanced to the knockout stages and will next face Australia in the quarterfinal tie on 20th March in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, West Indies have also progressed into quarterfinal round and will meet New Zealand on March 21 in Wellington.