West Indies' Man-of-the-match Kieron Pollard dedicates his all-round show against Ireland to his supporters
West Indies' Man-of-the-match Kieron Pollard dedicates his all-round show against Ireland to his supportersA Kieron Pollard-inspired West Indies stifled a brave fightback by Ireland yesterday to win by 44 runs and put one foot in the World Cup quarter-finals.
What a stunner! Kieron Pollard of the West Indies takes a diving catch in
the outfield to dismiss Ireland's star batsman Kevin O'Brien during their
World Cup match in Mohali yesterday. West Indies won by 44 runs.
Pic/Getty ImagesPollard hammered 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 blinder of a catch to send back danger man Kevin O'Brien for just 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, must now 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 West Indies skipper Sammy, adding that his side had done well to stick to the basics.
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). Benn also bowled Niall O'Brien for 25 but Ed Joyce steadied the innings with a 91-run stand for the fourth wicket with Gary Wilson (61).
Joyce 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.
Wilson took the fight to the West Indies before his controversial dismissal in the 42nd over.
