Kevin O'Brien scored a 50-ball century as Ireland chased down a target of 328 to upset England by three wickets at the World Cup.
O'Brien's
effort was the fastest hundred in tournament history, all the more incredible given his side looked dead and buried at 111-5 shortly after his arrival at the crease.
effort was the fastest hundred in tournament history, all the more incredible given his side looked dead and buried at 111-5 shortly after his arrival at the crease.He blasted 113 off 63 deliveries, including 13 fours and six sixes, and shared a 162-run stand in 17 overs with Alex Cusack (47) as England - for the third match in a row - lost the plot in the field.
O'Brien was run out with 11 still needed but John Mooney (33no) and Trent Johnston (7no) saw Ireland over the line from the first ball of the final over, Mooney finishing it in style with a boundary off James Anderson.
(33no) and Trent Johnston (7no) saw Ireland over the line from the first ball of the final over, Mooney finishing it in style with a boundary off James Anderson.The result ranks as one of the great World Cup shocks - taking its place alongside Ireland's victory over Pakistan in 2007 and Kenya's wins against West Indies in 1996 and Sri Lanka in 2003.
It also blows Group B wide open and leaves England badly needing to bounce back straight away against South Africa on Sunday, while Ireland - who are also in action on Sunday against India - are firmly in control of their quarter-final destiny.
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