Ireland Stun T20I world champions West Indies in thriller
Sannita [CC BY-SA]
Irish cricket team have registered a thrilling four run victory over world champions West Indies in the first T20I.
Paul Stirling was the man of the match for his wonderful 95 (47). The opening stand of 154 runs was the highest by Ireland. Kevin O’Brien supported Stirling with his brilliant 48 (32).
Ireland put together a total of 208/7 (20) against Windies. In reply West Indies amassed 204/7 (20), loosing by 4 runs.
Match summary. pic.twitter.com/F000gpcQ3P— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) January 15, 2020
It was a record first six overs power play score by Ireland of 93/0 (6). With the ball it was Joshua Little who was the hero 29/3 (4) who won them the game in last over.
However, the home side started off strongly themselves and looked on course to win the T20I bringing up their hundred inside 10 overs with just two wickets down.
West Indies needed 15 to win in the last over when all-rounder Joshua Little got rid of dangerous Dwayne Bravo. Two wickets fell in the last over.
Five was needed of the final ball and Hayden Walsh couldn’t get the job done.
It is Ireland’s only second victory in T20 cricket over the West Indies. The Windies clean swept Ireland in the ODI series 3-0.
Evin Lewis 53 (29) was the top scorer for the home side with six fours and three sixes. Lewis also scored a half-century and century in the ODI’s.
Kieron Pollard was next best with 31 (15) who threatened a bit. Ireland maintained the pressure with some good fielding.
.@stirlo90 – Player of the Match! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/UYgu73YLNb— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) January 15, 2020
Dwayne Bravo, playing a game since September 2016, took a couple of wickets and hit a six before getting dismissed.
Paul Stirling didn’t managed to get the century as he was caught at deep-midwicket going for the big shot. But his knock was pivotal to Irish success.
The next games of this T20I series will be played on the 18th and 19th January respectively at St. Kitts.
