Rain, No Play

Irish cricket continued to make impressive strides when they comprehensively defeated Bangladesh today in Barbados. The Irish were cheered on by thousands of supporters, including a strong contingent of locals. Electing to bat first on a bouncy wicket, the Irish built a competitive total of 243/7. The foundation for the total was laid by openers, William Porterfield and Jeremy Bray, who put on 92 for the first wicket. Man of the match Porterfield made 85. The Irish were aided by dropped catches and missed run out chances by the Bangladeshis who were ragged in the field. Even with the missed chances the Bangladeshis still were able to record 4 run outs as the Irish pressed for twos and quick singles when the boundaries dried up in the middle of the innings. A quick fire 48 off 44 balls by Kevin O'Brien and 30 off 23 by captain Trent Johnston revived the innings at the end and helped Ireland to post the challenging score.  read more »

Glenn McGrath courtesy of 50ISO100

In the remodeled Kensington Oval in Barbados, the Aussie machine became the first to seal a semi final place with a ruthless demolition of the Irish team. Australian captain Ricky Ponting won the toss, but instead of opting for batting practice for his team, he sent Ireland in, and it was all over before lunch.

The Irish had no answer for the pace and bounce of Shaun Tait nor for the accuracy and skill of Glenn McGrath. Both finished with 3 wickets a piece as Ireland were reduced to 2 for 3 and then 12 for 4. The wily veteran McGrath proved that he still has some fire in his bowling when he fell Andrew White with a rising delivery that hit the batsman in the helmet. McGrath now leads the World Cup with 18 wickets. Ireland were eventually dismissed for 91 in 30 overs, with some late order batting by John Mooney (23) making the score half decent.  read more »

Shiv Chanderpaul made his first World Cup century today.

In Jamaica, a maiden World Cup century by opener Shivnarine Chanderpaul guided the West Indies to a commanding 8 wicket win over Ireland today. While in Trinidad, another stunningly poor batting performance by the Indians have left them all but out of this World Cup.  read more »

In probably the most stunning day of cricket in World Cup history, Pakistan crashed out of the 2007 tournament at the hands of associate nation Ireland and favourites India were cut down by unfancied Bangladesh. India are now in serious danger of bowing out in the group stage.  read more »

In Jamiaca, Irish cricket came of age on the world stage today as Ireland snatched a thrilling tie from Test nation Zimbabwe. In front of rowdy supporters, some of whom dressed as Leprechauns and danced in a congo line as Zimbabwean wickets fell, the Irish lived up to their billing as a "minnow" to watch.  read more »

Ireland can beat the West Indies when they play on March 23 in the ICC World Cup. No, seriously they can! They can, because they've done it before, chasing down 293 to beat the West Indies in 2004 and famously bowling out the West Indies for 25 in 1969. Twenty-five!



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