WI vs IRE : West Indies scrape past Ireland by 44 runs
West Indies brightened their quarterfinal chances with a hardfought 44-run win over Ireland in a Group B match of the World Cup here Friday.
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Kieron Pollard struck 94 off just 55 balls and shared an 88-run stand with Devon Smith, who hit a maiden ODI ton, as West Indies posted 275 before bowling out the Irish for 231 in 49 overs at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.
Pollard also took a great catch to send back dangerman Kevin O’Brien for five off seamer Darren Sammy, who had impressive figures of 3-31 off his 10 overs.
The win took West Indies to six points from four Group B outings and virtually assured them of a place in the last eight. Ireland, with one win from four matches, now have to beat South Africa and the Netherlands in their remaining league matches to stand any chance of progressing to the knockout round.
“We bowled where we wanted to and that got us the victory,” said Sammy, adding that his side had done well to stick to the basics.
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Man-of-the-match Pollard said: “This innings is for the people who have supported me. Good game for us, important to keep the momentum going.”
The Irish began their chase cautiously after losing opener Paul Stirling in the second over to towering left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn (4-53).
With 86/6, Ed Joyce (84) steadied the innings with a 91-run stand for the fourth wicket with Gary Wilson (61).
Joyce, who played for England in the 2007 World Cup, completed his fourth one-day half-century and kept Ireland in the hunt until he was bowled by Andre Russell for a 106-ball 84, containing nine fours.
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