
ICC T20 World Cup | Ireland knocks two-time champion West Indies out; reaches Super 12
The Hindu
Ireland romped to the target for the loss of one wicket with 15 balls to spare.
Paul Stirling smashed a glittering half-century as Ireland eliminated twice champions West Indies from the T20 World Cup and advanced to the Super 12 phase with a nine-wicket thrashing in Hobart on October 21, 2022.
The burly redhead's unbeaten 66 from 48 balls helped Ireland mow down a modest total of 146 for five with more than two overs to spare on a cloudy afternoon at Bellerive Oval.
Brandon King scored an unbeaten 62 for the West Indies but had little support as the Caribbeans made their earliest exit from the global showpiece since the inaugural 2007 tournament in South Africa.
All-rounder Gareth Delany sucked the wind out of the West Indies' batsmen, capturing 3-16 with his legspin in the later middle overs.
"It's obviously an incredible day for us," said Delany.
"Firstly, it's a dream come true. We're ecstatic about what we're going to be able to do over the next few weeks."
The West Indies knew their total was below par but their bowlers were powerless to defend it as Stirling and captain Andy Balbirnie stormed to a 73-run opening partnership before Balbirnie was caught cutting for 37.