Ireland have caused yet another huge shock in a Cricket World Cup, winning their first game of this year's edition against the heavily favoured West Indies by four wickets.
The Windies had put up 304 having been put into bat first by Ireland, a total made look even more impressive by the fact Ireland had them at 87-5 at one stage. George Dockrell was Ireland's main protaganist with the ball, taking the wickets of the big hitting Gayle and Samuels within the space of three balls, before taking Ramdin for just another nine runs, to leave the Windies on the back foot.
Ireland's initial good bowling looked in vain however as the West Indies then put Ireland to the sword; a Simmons tonne would follow, backed by a swashbuckling 89 from Darren Sammy. A target of 305 was set and it looked too much for the Boys in Green, requiring one of the highest run chases in World Cup history, the bookies pricing the upset at 9/2 at that stage.
Thankfully nobody told Paul Sterling nor Ed Joyce, the pair putting up a remarkable 106 partnership for the second wicket, paving the way for victory, man of the match Sterling caught out on 92 from 84 deliveries. Niall O'Brien replaced Sterling and with Ireland needing him to steady the pace, he did just that, reaching his 50 in just 38 balls, eventually achieving a quite remarkable 96-ball partnership with Joyce.
The win came from a John Mooney four in the 46th over with 25 balls to spare, Ireland had begun to look nervy, losing three wickets for just six runs, leaving them at 290/6. Niall O'Brien then hit two boundaries to ease the tension before finishing on 79 not out with Mooney on six from nine balls.
The easy, competent manner in which they batted to victory as well as some sublime spin bowling and excellent fielding will create headlines around the world and ensure Ireland are considered serious contenders for every game they play. Astoundingly Ireland now have three of the six run chases over 300 ever in the tournament since its inception.
Ireland's next game is on Feb 25th against the UAE, a game they must win to have any realistic chance of finishing in the top four of their seven man pool and qualifying for the quarter finals. A win against Zimbabwe on March 7th will also be needed while another shock against one of India, Pakistan or South Africa would greatly help their cause.
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Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
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