5 of Ireland’s most famous victories in international cricket

‘Giant killers’ Ireland stunned West Indies by four runs in the first match of the three-match T20I series at St George's, Grenada recently. The win at St George's was the latest in Ireland's line-up of stunning surprises against top international sides.

Going back to 2007, they famously beat Pakistan in the World Cup encounter at Kingston, as the cricket world woke up to a nation that was low on experience but high on adrenaline and confidence.

They followed the trend of defeating big names in the World Cup, putting it across England in the 2011 edition by successfully chasing down a big total at Bengaluru. Then, in 2015 competition as well, they gunned down a 300-plus total set by the West Indies at Nelson.

Also see – U19 world cup points table

The latest triumph at St George's would undoubtedly go down as one of Ireland’s top five victories in international cricket. Here’s a look at some memorable Irish triumphs.

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#1. vs Pakistan at Kingston (2007 World Cup)

Niall O’Brien guided the run chase sedately

In the 9th match of the 2007 World Cup at Kingston played on March 17, 2007, Ireland shocked Pakistan and made the world sit up and take notice of their talent and exuberance. Ireland put Pakistan into bat in the game, and the Inzamam-ul-Haq led side were completely ragged.

Only Kamran Akmal (27) and Imran Nazir (24) managed to cross the 20-mark as Pakistan were embarrassingly rolled over for 132 in 45.4 overs. Younis Khan was dismissed for a duck, skipper Inzamam for 1 while Mohammad Yousuf fell for 15. For Ireland, Andre Botha was sensational with 2 for 5 in eight overs while Boyd Rankin picked up 3 for 32.

Pakistan’s bowlers tried hard to defend the target, but Niall O’Brien’s tenacious 72 from 107 sealed their fate. Ireland registered a famous victory by three wickets. For Pakistan, Mohammad Sami’s impressive performance of 3 for 29 went in vain.

#2. vs England at Bengaluru (2011 World Cup)

Ireland celebrate their famous win over England

To prove that the win over Pakistan in 2007 was no fluke, Ireland put it across England in the 2011 World Cup. The Irish stunned the English by three wickets in match number 15 at Bengaluru on March 2. In a high-scoring encounter, both sides scored 320-plus with Ireland emerging triumphant.

England posted 327 for 8 batting first. Jonathan Trott top-scored with a run-a-ball 92. Ian Bell contributed 81 from 86 while Kevin Pietersen hit 59 from 50 opening the innings. John Mooney was the most successful bowler for Ireland with 4 for 63.

In response, Ireland stumbled to 111 for 5 in the 25th over. Little did England know what was to follow. Kevin O’Brien went berserk, smashing 113 from 63 balls with 13 fours and six sixes. Alex Cusack contributed 47 from 58 while Mooney made an unbeaten 33 from 30. Although O’Brien was run out in the penultimate over, Ireland sneaked home with five balls to spare.

#3. vs West Indies at Nelson (2015 World Cup)

Paul Stirling on the way to a match-winning innings

Another World Cup, another upset by Ireland. It was West Indies who were outwitted in match number five of the 2015 World Cup at Nelson on February 16. This was another high-scoring encounter with both teams combining to post over 600 runs.

Having put West Indies into bat, Ireland had West Indies on the ropes at 87 for 5 in the 24th over. Chris Gayle was dismissed for 36 and Marlon Samuels for 21. West Indies, however, fought back with two splendid knocks. Lendl Simmons hit 102 from 84 and Darren Sammy 89 from 67. Andre Russell’s cameo of 27 not out from 13 lifted West Indies to 304 for 7 as George Dockrell picked up 3 for 50.

Ireland’s chase was led by three fantastic knocks as they got home with ease, by four wickets with 25 balls to spare. Paul Stirling contributed 92 from 84, Ed Joyce 84 from 67 while Niall O’Brien made an unbeaten 79 from 60. Jerome Taylor picked up three wickets for West Indies but was taken for 71 runs, and couln't stop an Irish win,

#4. vs West Indies at Kingston (1st T20I, February 2014)

Ed Joyce guiding one through the gully

Before the St George’s triumph, Ireland had registered their first T20I victory against West Indies at Kingston on February 19, 2014. It was the first T20I of the two-match series, and Ireland took a 1-0 lead courtesy a professional all-round effort.

West Indies elected to bat first after winning the toss, but only managed to post 116 for 8. None of the West Indian batsman could reach even 20. Gayle was the top-scorer with 18. For Ireland, Tim Murtagh, Alex Cusack, and Kevin O’Brien claimed two wickets each.

Although Ireland lost skipper William Porterfield and Stirling cheaply, experienced Ed Joyce’s unbeaten 40 and Andrew Poynter’s 32 saw them home with ease. Ireland won by six wickets with five balls to spare.

#5. vs West Indies at St. George's (1st T20I, January 15, 2020)

Paul Stirling's blitz led Ireland to 208

Batting first in the first T20I against West Indies at St. George’s, Ireland posted an impressive 208 for 7 on the board courtesy Paul Stirling’s scintillating 95 from 47 balls with eight sixes and six fours.

Stirling and Kevin O’Brien, in fact, featured in a whirlwind opening stand of 154 in 12.3 overs, with O’Brien contributing 48 from 32 balls. West Indies were in command at one stage, racing to 93 for 1 in the ninth over. The dismissal of Evin Lewis for 53 from 29 balls, however, brought Ireland back in the game.

West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard blasted 31 from 15 but fell in the 15th over when the target was still a fair way away. In a tense finish, Josh Little dismissed Sherfane Rutherford (26 from 13) and Dwayne Bravo (9 from 7) in the last over to seal a famous win for Ireland by 4 runs.