Pakistan canter into semis

Riding on opener Kamran Akmal's sparkling half century, Pakistan romped into the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup after thrashing Ireland by 39 runs in their must-win last Super Eight match in London on Monday.

With this win, Pakistan, who avenged their humiliating debacle at the hands of the Ireland in the 2007 ODI World Cup in Caribbean, joined South Africa in the last four stage.

Pakistan got off to a steady start with Akmal and the opener Shahzaib Hasan (23) adding 38 runs in 5.4 overs. But Ireland pacer Alex Cusak, who returned 4 for 18 in last match against Sri Lanka, soon removed Shahzaib by getting him caught by Kyle McCallan (2-26) at mid-off.

Pakistan scored 159 for five in their stipulated 20 overs after skipper Younis Khan elected to bat at the Oval.

But Ireland's chase was cut short by the fiery Pakistan bowlers Saeed Ajmal (4-19) and Umer Gul (2-19) at 120 for nine, despite a brave 36-ball 40 from their captain Williams Portersfield on a windy evening.

Portersfield, who opened the run-chase, with wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O'brien (7), appeared helpless in the absence of a stable partner. He, however, stitched a 45-run partnership with Kevin O'brien (26) through six overs before leaving the field in the 13th over.

Saeed Ajmal celebrates after dismissing John Mooney, caught by  Abdul Razzaq, for 2.

Man of the match Akmal was brilliant behind the stumps as he stumped Kevin O'Brien and Cusack off Ajmal's bowling.

Following their impressive feats against Ireland, Umar Gul and Ajmal became the top two bowlers of the tournament with 12 and 11 wickets respectively in their kitty.