Ireland knock out two-time champions West Indies from T20 World Cup to reach Super 12 | Cricket News

Paul Stirling smashed a scintillating half-century as Ireland eliminated the West Indies twice. T20 World Cup and advanced to the Super 12 stage with a nine-wicket thrashing in Hobart on Friday.
The stalwart redhead’s unbeaten 66 off 48 balls helped Ireland to a modest total of 146 for five with more than two overs to spare on an overcast afternoon at Bellerive Oval.

Brandon King scored an unbeaten 62 for the West Indies but had little support as the Caribbean 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, taking 3-16 with his leg cap in the later middle overs.
“Obviously it’s an incredible day for us,” said Delany.

“First of all, 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 for 37.

Ireland number three Lorcan Tucker joined the party and smashed an unbeaten 45 in an unbroken stand with Stirling.
Tucker tackled the winning runs in style, dancing down the wicket to smash Obed McCoy for four, drawing wild cheers from a host of Irish fans.