Ireland beat WI by 4 wickets

Ireland today pulled a big upset over West Indies chasing down a total of 304 runs in the fifth match of the ICC cricket World Cup 2015 at Saxton Oval, Nelson.

The Irish batsmen were in business from the start and gave Caribbean bowlers a run for their money throughout the latter half of the game and eventually won it by four wickets.

Put to bat in first, West Indies put on 304 in fifty overs riding on heroic performances put up by Darren Sammy, 89, and Lendl Simmons, 107, following a dismal start.

All credit to Irish bowlers, they managed to demolish the West Indies top order and choked the run flow after Ireland won the toss and put the Caribbeans to bat first.

However, Sammy and Simmons heaved West Indies from five-down for 87. Simmons struck the second century of his career, and that too in time of need.

In the last five overs, Simmons powered West Indies to beyond 300. The Caribbeans scored 61 runs in the final five overs marring the initial glory of the Irish bowlers.

Dockrell was the most successful Irish bowler with three wickets. Mooney, Sorensen and O'Brien claimed one wicket apiece.

In reply coming down in the big chase, Stirling, 92, and Ed Joyce, 84, established a solid foundation and setting, making the run pursuit seemingly feasible.

Near the end, the Irish side fumbled and lost some quick wickets. But Niall O'Brien guided his team to victory with his unbeaten knock of 79 with four overs and a ball to spare.

The pitch had an even cover of grass and expected to play true with consistent bounce and carry for the seamers. It also served very good to the batsmen as the day grew.

Ireland

WTS Porterfield (C), PR Stirling, EC Joyce, NJ O'Brien, A Balbirnie, GC Wilson (WK), KJ O'Brien, JF Mooney, MC Sorensen, GH Dockrell and AR McBrine

West Indies

CH Gayle, DR Smith, DM Bravo, MN Samuels, D Ramdin (WK), LMP Simmons, DJG Sammy, AD Russell, JO Holder (C), SJ Benn and JE Taylor