Kevin O’Brien scored the fastest Cricket World Cup century to lead Ireland to a three-wicket win over England in one of the main upsets in the tournament’s 35-year history. O’Brien reached 100 in 50 balls and totaled 113 as Ireland, which rarely plays against cricket’s elite teams, chased down England’s 327-8 with four balls to spare in Bangalore, India. O’Brien and Alex Cusack shared a 162-run stand to set their team on the way to the highest successful World Cup run chase.
“I’m pretty amazed at the moment,” O’Brien, who plays for English team Northamptonshire, said in televised, comments. “To be honest, it’s the best innings I’ve ever played since I started playing cricket. I just kept going and kept believing and it went our way.” Ireland’s first win in four attempts against England lifts it into 10th place in the International Cricket Council’s one- day rankings and leaves the English with three points from as many games as they seek a first World Cup title.
England, whose only win so far was against the Netherlands, remains in second place in Group B. Ireland moves up to fifth after two games. The top four from each of the two groups advance to the quarterfinals after a round-robin contest. Ireland next plays group leader India on March 6, while England plays South Africa the same day. The South Africans play their second game today against the Netherlands in Mohali, India, while 1992 champion Pakistan faces Canada in a Group A match in Colombo.
Scorecard: England vs Ireland
“I’m pretty amazed at the moment,” O’Brien, who plays for English team Northamptonshire, said in televised, comments. “To be honest, it’s the best innings I’ve ever played since I started playing cricket. I just kept going and kept believing and it went our way.” Ireland’s first win in four attempts against England lifts it into 10th place in the International Cricket Council’s one- day rankings and leaves the English with three points from as many games as they seek a first World Cup title.
England, whose only win so far was against the Netherlands, remains in second place in Group B. Ireland moves up to fifth after two games. The top four from each of the two groups advance to the quarterfinals after a round-robin contest. Ireland next plays group leader India on March 6, while England plays South Africa the same day. The South Africans play their second game today against the Netherlands in Mohali, India, while 1992 champion Pakistan faces Canada in a Group A match in Colombo.
Scorecard: England vs Ireland
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