rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Sports » Ireland stun Bangladesh to reach Super Eights

Ireland stun Bangladesh to reach Super Eights

June 9, 2009 00:02 IST

Image: Ireland's Jeremy Bray takes a catch to dismiss Bangladesh's Junaid Siddique
Photographs: Reuters Richard Sydenham/Reuters

Ireland sealed a place in the Twenty20 World Cup Super Eights when Kevin O`Brien's unbeaten 39 from 17 deliveries helped them to a six-wicket win over Bangladesh on Monday.

The result means Bangladesh, who were beaten by India in their opening game, have no chance of progressing from Group A.

Johnston picks up three

Image: Trent Johnston celebrates after dismissing Mohammad Ashraful

Ireland, a non-Test playing nation who also made it through the opening stage of the one-day World Cup in 2007, restricted Bangladesh to 137 for eight in their 20 overs at Trent Bridge.

"We didn't make anywhere near enough runs," Bangladesh's Australian coach Jamie Siddons told reporters. "The par score on that flat wicket was 170. The cooler heads prevailed and under pressure our guys weren't up to it."

Ashraful fails yet again

Image: Mohammad Ashraful leaves the field

Ireland reached 138 for four with 10 balls remaining following an aggressive exhibition of hitting from O'Brien. He struck four fours and two sixes after coming in with the match closely poised.

Man of the match Niall O'Brien, Kevin's brother, had laid the foundations for Ireland's victory with an innings of 40 from 25 balls, including three sixes.

Bangladesh shattered

Image: Raqibul Hasan is bowled by Kyle McCallan (not in picture) as wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien looks on

"It's always nice to bat well when there are 10-15,000 people cheering you on," said Niall O'Brien.

"It doesn't feel like an upset to us as we came here expecting to beat Bangladesh and we have done it again."

Ireland register 4th victory in T20 Internationals

Image: John Mooney (left) and Kevin O''Brien celebrate their win over Bangladesh

Australian-born Trent Johnston earlier claimed three for 20 that helped to limit Bangladesh in their innings.

Bangladesh's total might have been even lower had it not been for the 20 runs that Mashrafe Mortaza struck from the last over, bowled by Alex Cusack.