Ireland advance at T20 World Cup and send West Indies crashing out early | T20 World Cup

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Ireland have beaten West Indies by nine wickets in Hobart to book their place in the Super 12s stage of the T20 World Cup and send the former champions crashing out.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat, the Windies could only post 146 for five, with Brandon King scoring an unbeaten 62. Ireland’s spinners played their part with Gareth Delany taking three for 16 and Sami Singh one for 11 from his two overs. Odean Smith added a rapid 19 late in the innings, but the 147 target always looked modest.

Ireland, who had recovered from a 31-run defeat to Zimbabwe with a dramatic comeback to beat Scotland, reached their victory target with 15 balls to spare. Paul Stirling made 66 not out and built a first-wicket partnership of 73 with Andy Balbirnie, before the captain was caught at point off Akeal Hosein for 37.

Lorcan Tucker came in to bat and scored 45 not out, hitting the winning runs to seal a memorable victory for the loss of only one wicket. Ireland advance to the Super 12s for the first time since 2009, while the two-time tournament winners are left to reflect on an ignominious first-round exit.

“This means everything to us. We were so disappointed to miss out at this stage last year,” the Ireland captain, Andy Balbirnie, told the BBC afterwards.

“We set out some things we wanted to achieve as a team and how we wanted to play,” he added. “We lost our first game but to then come back and beat two-time champions in a must-win game, I could not be prouder. It was an emotional finish, we are absolutely delighted. It is a really proud day for Ireland.”

“It’s definitely hurting,” said the West Indies captain, Nicholas Pooran. “I’m disappointed in myself and how it has gone but we will live to fight another day. I want to say congratulations to Ireland, they batted and bowled fantastically today. This is a learning experience for us.”

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Scotland will face Zimbabwe in Friday’s second match at the Bellerive Oval, with the winner set to claim the final qualifying spot in the Super 12s.

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