March 17: When the underdogs shocked the big boys
Cricket is a funny game. As the format gets shorter, the gulf between a superior side and a not so superior side lessens.
You underestimate your opponent at your own peril and the aforementioned cliche has been testified time and again.
There are very few days in our lives that teach us more than we had erstwhile. March 17 is one such day in the history of professional cricket where the underdogs managed to defy all the odds stacked against them and came out trump much to the agony of the 'big boys'.
In this blog, we'll go down memory lane and relieve instances when the perennial underdogs shocked the 'big boys' on March 17th.
Here's a walk down into the realms of March 17th :
#1 Ireland send Pakistan packing from the 2007 World Cup
When: St. Patrick's Day, March 17th 2007
Occasion: Pakistan vs Ireland, Group Match at Kingston Jamaica, ICC Cricket World Cup 2007
Ireland, who were making their World Cup debut in the 2007 marquee event made an instant statement when they humbled former champions Pakistan and subsequently ousted from the tournament.
Pakistan, who batted first on St Patrik's day were jolted by a rampaging Boyd Rankin (3-32) coupled by a miserly spell of 2-5 in eight overs by Botha and were bowled out for a below par 132.
An inspired spell from Mohammed Sami (3-29) gave Pakistan hope but defiant innings from Nial O'Brien (72) paved way for one of the most romantic fairytales for Irish cricket as they defeated the former champions by three wickets.