Paul Stirling got Man of the Match award for his 92 runs that set up victory for Ireland. But, as the last 3 wickets of Ireland showed if it was not for Ed Joyce and Nial O’Brien result could have gone in favor of West Indies, who managed to score 300+ because of devastating knock from Sammy and century from Simmons, while Irish bowlers, specially McBrine had tied the big hitters like Gayle, Samuels and others.
2015 World Cup: Complete Fixture in Indian Time
Showstealer No. 1: McBrine the Bowler
Can you imagine the run rate below 6 when Gayle has batted for 20 overs? Today it was below 4 although Gayle batted till 22nd over. Reason was the tidy spell from Irish bowlers, specially the spinner McBrine. Nobody could hit him and although he gained no wicket, but his spell of 0/26 in 10 overs with a maiden had ensured that West Indies were in danger. McBrine produced the most economical spell of World Cup 2015.
Darren Sammy and Simmons
They were the Miller and Duminy today. Unfortunately their team’s name was not South Africa and they lost. But both of them break the shackled put across by Irish bowlers. They could not hit McBrine, but ensured that West Indies reach a respectable total of 304 runs. Sammy scored 67-ball 89 runs while Simmons scored 84-ball 102 runs.
Ed Joyce & Niall O’Brien
Stirling had got Ireland in a comfortable position, scoring 92 runs from the 177 they had in 28th over. Still 130 more runs were required in 22 overs. The fall of last 3 wickets showed West Indies had the power to put pressure. Ireland should be thankful to their 97 run partnership for 3rd wicket scored in less than 12 overs that took them to such a comfortable position that despite Taylor’s damage, they could sail with more than 4 overs remaining.
Ed Joyce scored 67-ball 84 runs while Niall had unbeaten 60-ball 79 runs.
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