THE CARIBBEAN WILL forever hold sentimental memories for those associated with Irish cricket.
Eight years ago, at the World Cup held in the West Indies, victories against Bangladesh and, most famously, Pakistan endeared Ireland to the international cricketing community, providing the catalyst for a vast and ongoing development process.
Now, with the 2015 World Cup just 12 days away, it’s the perfect opportunity to look back on Ireland’s past achievements, not least that indelible day in Jamaica on St Patrick’s Day 2007.
Ireland produced one of the greatest victories in cricketing history by beating Pakistan and dumping them out of the World Cup.
Ireland, captained by the talismanic Trent Johnston, won the toss and opted to make first use of an unusually green-tinged pitch. The decision was justified instantaneously as Ireland – who were all amateurs – bowled Pakistan out for 132.
After tieing with Zimbabwe in the first game of their campaign, Ireland knew victory over the 1992 World champions would see them qualify for the Super 8 stages.
Although the reply didn’t start convincingly with the now England ODI captain, Eoin Morgan, among those dismissed early, Niall O’Brien produced an innings of consummate mastery to underpin Ireland’s most significant run-chase.
In the end, it was left to Johnston to hit the winning runs, clubbing a six into the scores of Irish fans occupying the grassy banks of Sabina Park.
“Apart from my two kids being born, [it was] the greatest day of my life,” Johnston has since said about the day.
“To be out there and to change the fortune of a sport in a country where it’s very much a minority sport and put it on the front pages and put it on every radio station and every media outlet around the world that Ireland had beaten Pakistan, it was great to be there. It was a very special moment.”
It only proved to be the start of Ireland’s modern cricketing history. As the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand edges closer, we’ll be looking back at Kevin O’Brien’s incredible innings as Ireland stunned England in 2011.
You can follow all the build-up to the Cricket World Cup on The42 here.
