Published: Feb 25, 2015, 02:13 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 25, 2015, 02:13 PM (IST)
During the 2011 World Cup in India, there was a raging debate on the inclusion of minnows in the big league. Ireland are, by far, the best side amongst the weaker teams and can challenge the best on their day. Going into their game against England, they needed to make a statement on behalf of the minnow world. Not many would have fancied their chances, but would have been wary of their copious potential and a giant killing tendency.
[read-also] 23610[/read-also]
England won the toss and elected to bat first on a belter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell hit fifties to guide England to 327 in their allotted 50 overs. Ireland had a decent batting line-up, but a score beyond 300 looked a monumental task.
The Ireland run-chase got off to the worst possible start as captain William Porterfield dragged the first delivery of the innings onto his stumps. Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce and Niall O’Brien fought hard with a few cameos, but the asking rate kept rising. After the 20th over, England suddenly took control of the game with a few wickets to have Ireland reeling at 111 for five with Kevin O’Brien and Alex Cusack in the middle.
At that stage, the result looked obvious and Ireland’s chances were dimming by the minute. However, Kevin had other ideas as he decided to have some fun and pump some life into the game. Graeme Swann was all over the Irish batsman and Kevin started by attacking him and Michael Yardy. He was ready to give it everything with a full flurry of the bat. If they pitched it around leg stumps, he would swing it towards the on-side. The flashing blade would also come down hard on anything outside off.
It came down to a run-a-ball for Ireland in the last two overs, when Kevin was run-out trying to convert a single into two. England were still alive, but the Irish were in high spirits. Kevin walked back to a rousing ovation for his remarkable effort of 113 off 63 deliveries. The crowd had witnessed something special as this knock had converted a hopeless situation into a possible upset. Out came the veteran Trent Johnston and he smashed his first ball through the overs for a boundary to ease the nerves. With three needed off the last over, Mooney smashed the first ball through mid-wicket to create history.
