Ireland edged out world champions West Indies by four runs in a dramatic first T20I between the sides in Grenada.
The Irish posted 208-7 on the board after winning the toss and electing to bat, setting a T20I world record for the highest score in a powerplay with 93-0 in the first six overs.
Opener Paul Stirling smashed a 47-ball 95, including eight sixes, while Kevin O’Brien scored 48 off 32 before being bowled by Dwayne Bravo.
Kevin’s dismissal sparked a mini-collapse of four wickets for 10 runs, with the tourists recovering from 164-4 to post a competitive total.
The West Indies chase got off to a quick start with Evin Lewis helping the side to 93 when he was dismissed for 53 off 29 balls at the end of the ninth over but with three overs left, the home side still needed 43.
Well, a horror over from Barry McCarthy that went for 27 made it 16 off 12.
While it was a nervous finish, Ireland held on, taking three wickets and keeping the Windies to just 11 runs to claim the thrilling victory.
The remaining two matches in the series will take place in St Kitts and Nevis on Saturday and Sunday.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What a game #IrevWI !
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) January 15, 2020
What a win for the lads!! @Irelandcricket ☘️☘️☘️
— William Porterfield (@purdy34) January 15, 2020
Safe to say that is a huge day out for @Irelandcricket and their players. Beating the world champs in their back yard. Special mention to Josh Little , Craig Young and George Dockrell (3catches and his last over swung it). Series up and running well done Captain @balbo90
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) January 15, 2020
Top win that for @Irelandcricket 🙌 #WIvIRE
— Ian Pont Official (@Ponty100mph) January 15, 2020
Well done to @Irelandcricket on defeating the West Indies, one of the traditional strongholds of the game. https://t.co/pf4SXd0dWk
— Daniel Mulhall (@DanMulhall) January 15, 2020
Three months after losing to Canada (the world no 23), Ireland beat the world champions West Indies in a T20 away.
— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) January 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/cobby24/status/1217508320061403141
20-year-old Joshua Little defended 13 runs in the final over with Bravo and Rutherford in the middle:
W, 6,2,0,W, 0
During 19th over, Craig Young just went for three singles and taking the wicket of Pooran. #WIvIRE
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 15, 2020
Congratulations 👏to Ireland Men’s cricket team on an outstanding performance beating current T20 World Champions the West Indies in a record-breaking💥 4-run win🏆https://t.co/Ms6cVQfykx@windiescricket🌴 v @Irelandcricket☘️#WIvIRE #BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/BvnnFERBn9
— Cricket World (@Cricket_World) January 15, 2020
Ireland's 2nd IT20 victory v West Indies in 5 matches since 30 April 2010 – previously a victory by 6 wickets (116-8 v 117-4) at Sabina Park on 19 February 2014 – Stirling, Wilson, O'Brien & Dockrell all survive in the Ireland side in the Grenada victory today, #WIvIre
— Arthur_S (@allanholloway) January 15, 2020
#WIvIRE IRELAND WIN BY 4️⃣ RUNS!
Josh Little holds his nerve in the final over despite a Dwayne Bravo six, taking two wickets and conceding eight – what a win, what a game! pic.twitter.com/96Jap64bzF
— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) January 16, 2020
Bravo couldn't pick the pace and got out when 5 off 2 deliveries. Usually he is the one who does the same with opposition. *cries* #WIvIRE
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 16, 2020
