Predictably, Ireland's under19 side suffered their third successive defeat in the Youth World Cup in South Africa yesterday when they lost by 139 runs to Pakistan at Avion Park in Johannesburg. The defeat placed Ireland at the bottom of their group, from which Pakistan and Sri Lanka have qualified for the finals proper.

"The losing margin does not reflect our performance, which won the plaudits of the neutrals," said Ireland team manager Dessie McCall. "The bowling and fielding was very good, and our batting improved, but too many batsmen got out when they were beginning to look set," he added.

Simon Harrison was Ireland's most successful bowler, taking two for 41 off his 10 overs. Ireland's top scorer was Jonathan Bushe with 21, and other valuable contributions came from Daniel Gaughran (15), Carl Hosford (13), Neil Anderson (20) and skipper Joe Clinton (18).

It was also to Ireland's credit that they batted out all but nine balls of Pakistan's 50 overs. Ireland now go into next week's Plate competition.