IRELAND CEMENTED THEIR reputation as giant-killers with a four-wicket win over the West Indies in their World Cup opener in Nelson on Monday.
It wasn’t the first time the Irish had upset one of cricket’s elite Test nations on the World Cup stage.
Here we look at their greatest triumphs at the global showpiece event.
17 March, 2007: Ireland beat Pakistan by 3 wkts (D/L method)
Ireland marked St Patrick’s Day in style by knocking Pakistan out of the 2007 World Cup in Jamaica.
The Irish attack skittled out the Asian giants for just 132, with future England paceman Boyd Rankin taking three wickets.
Ireland suffered a collapse of their own before Kevin O’Brien and Trent Johnston saw them to victory, sparking wild celebrations in both the Caribbean and back home.
But there was a grim postscript to the match when Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, the former England batsman, died in his hotel room that night.
2 March, 2011: Ireland beat England by 3 wkts
England piled up a seemingly imposing 327 for eight in Bangalore, with Jonathan Trott making 92 and Ian Bell 81 although John Mooney’s four-wicket haul prevented a larger total.
In reply, Ireland lost skipper William Porterfield before they’d scored a run but Kevin O’Brien seized his chance to shine by smashing the fastest-ever World Cup hundred off just 50 balls, with 13 fours and six sixes. After he was out, Mooney’s 33 not out sealed a stunning win with five balls to spare.
16 February, 2015: Ireland beat the West Indies by 4 wkts
Ireland reduced the West Indies to 87 for five, with left-arm spinner George Dockrell taking three wickets in Nelson.
But Lendl Simmons — nephew of Ireland coach Phil, the former Windies batsman — made 102 and put on 154 for the sixth wicket with Darren Sammy (89) as the two-time World Cup champions eventually totalled 304 for seven.
However, county batsmen Paul Stirling (92), Ed Joyce (84) and Niall O’Brien (79 not out), who steadied nerves after several wickets fell in quick succession, starred as Ireland won with 25 balls to spare.
Where do you think today’s win ranks in comparison with Ireland’s other incredible feats? Let us know in the comments section below.
