Ireland defeated West Indies by nine wickets in Hobart to advance to the Super 12s stage of the T20 World Cup and eliminate the defending champions.
The Windies were only able to score 146 for five after winning the toss and electing to bat, with Brandon King getting an undefeated 62. Gareth Delany took three wickets for 16 runs, while Sami Singh took one wicket for 11 runs in his two overs for Ireland. Odean Smith added 19 runs quickly at the end of the innings, but the target of 147 always appeared modest.
Ireland, who had staged a spectacular comeback to defeat Scotland after suffering a 31-run loss to Zimbabwe, reached their victory target with 15 balls remaining. Paul Stirling scored 66 not out and partnered with Andy Balbirnie for 73 runs before the captain was caught at point off Akeel Hosein for 37.
Lorcan Tucker entered the crease and batted 45 not out, including the winning runs, to seal a remarkable triumph with only one wicket lost. Ireland qualifies for the Super 12s for the first time since 2009, while the two-time tournament champions are forced to lament their humiliating first-round defeat.
This means the world to us. Andy Balbirnie, the captain of Ireland, told, “We were disheartened to lose at this level last year.”
“We determined what we wanted to accomplish as a team and how we wanted to play,” he continued. “I could not be more proud of our comeback victory over two-time winners in a must-win game after losing our first game. It was an emotional conclusion, and we are ecstatic. It is a day of great pride for Ireland.”
Nicholas Pooran, captain of the West Indies, remarked, “It surely hurts.” “I am dissatisfied with myself and the outcome, but we will fight another day. I would like to congratulate Ireland on their outstanding batting and bowling performance today. This is an educational opportunity for us.”
In Friday’s second match at the Bellerive Oval, Scotland will meet Zimbabwe, with the winner claiming the final Super 12s qualification berth.
