Ireland upset West Indies

8:26 pm on 16 February 2015

Ireland have caused the first upset of the Cricket World Cup by beating twice former champions the West Indies by four wickets.

Ireland player John Mooney celebrates hitting the winning runs.

Ireland player John Mooney celebrates hitting the winning runs. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Irish chased down the Windies' total of 304 for 7 with 25 balls to spare, recording their first victory over the tier-one nation in six attempts.

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Sent into bat at Saxton Oval in Nelson, the West Indies got off to a slow start, floundering to 87 for five in the 27th over.

The opener Chris Gayle could only manage 37 from 65 balls before he was caught out trying to slog spinner George Dockrell over cow corner.

Dockrell trapped Marlon Samuels LBW for no score two balls later, which brought Lendl Simmons (102) and the all rounder Darren Sammy together in the middle.

The pair restored respectability to the Windies' scoreboard with a 6th wicket stand of 154 runs before Sammy fell in the 45th over for 89.

Simmons brought up his tonne in the final over of the West Indies innings, before falling victim to Dockrell, who finished with three wickets for 50 runs form his 10 overs.

Lendl Simmons celebrates his century

Lendl Simmons celebrates his century Photo: PHOTOSPORT

In between innings, Simmons suggested his team's total was 40 runs short of a healthy score.

In reply, Ireland's Paul Stirling top scored for his side with 92 off 115 balls and was named man of the match, while Niall O'Brian finished unbeaten on 79.

The Irish captain William Porterfield says his team believes it's capable of reaching the knock out stage of the tournament.

It was the third victory over a test-playing team at a World Cup for the Irish after they beat Pakistan in 2007 and England in 2011.

Ireland has played the West Indies six times in one day internationals, three times in World Cups, with the Windies winning four, Ireland one, with one match abandoned.

The West Indies won the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979.

Paul Stirling from Ireland during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between West Indies and Ireland.

Paul Stirling from Ireland during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between West Indies and Ireland. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Fans at the match at Saxton Oval in Nelson.

Fans at the match at Saxton Oval in Nelson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Ireland player George Dockrel celebrates the wicket of West Indies player Denesh Ramdin.

Ireland player George Dockrel celebrates the wicket of West Indies player Denesh Ramdin. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

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