Pakistan has advanced to the semifinals after defeating Ireland by 39 runs in a must win match of the super eight round of the ICC T20 World Cup at the Oval on Monday.

Pakistan opener Kamran Akmal scored blistering 57 runs from 51 balls while at the other end his partner kept on changing. Pakistan set a target of 160 runs for Ireland after Pakistan skipper Younis Khan elected to bat first after winning the toss.

Chasing target of 160 runs, Ireland finished their 20 over inning at 120/9, 39 runs short from the target. Irish batsmen completely failed against bowling of Saeed Ajmal and Umar Gul who took four and two wickets respectively.

Ireland captain Williams Portersfield was only batsman to show some resistance against Pakistan bowling attack who scored 40 runs off just 36 balls.

Kamran Akmal was declared man of the match for his brilliant batting performance which helped Pakistan to enter in to the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup.