Howzat for a knockout!

...as Pakistan cricketer is flattened in Dublin

IT was a historic moment in Irish cricket history – and one Pakistani player made sure it went off with a bang... crash and a wallop.

Ireland’s first Test Cricket Match began in Malahide on Friday, but the opening day was rained off. This meant the historic first ball was bowled during a considerably brighter morning yesterday.

The home crowd – who had waited a long time to see Ireland compete at the highest level of cricket – were bowled over with the excitement, and so was one of the opponents. The first ball was bowled by Ireland’s Tim Murtagh, whose toss was hit for a single by opener Azhar Ali.

Unfortunately Ali’s Pakistani batting partner, Imam-ul-Haq, collided with Ireland’s Tyrone Kane while trying to complete his run.

This left Imam-ul-Haq – himself making his Test debut – incapacitated for a few minutes, delaying the game.

He received medical attention and was able to carry on.

But after scoring seven runs he left the field, out from a LBW (Leg Before Wicket) bowled by Murtagh.

Imam-ul-Haq is the nephew of the former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who retired in 2007 after the Cricket World Cup. In that World Cup, Ireland famously eliminated Pakistan with a shock win – an event marred by the later discovery of Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer dead in his hotel room.