Paul Stirling smashed a 72-ball hundred 101 to lead Ireland to its second win in the ICC Cricket World Cup in its final league game on Friday at Eden Gardens.
Stirling’s knock, laced with 14 boundaries and two mighty sixes, helped Ireland chase down Netherlands’ stiff target of 306 with six wickets to spare. Ireland ended at307 for 4 in 47.4 overs.
Earlier, Netherlands were well served by Ryan ten Doeschate’s second hundred of the tournament. ten Doeschate (106: 108b, 13×4, 1×6) helped revive the Netherlands innings as it lost early wickets.Ryan ten Doeschate added 121 runs for the fifth wicket with skipper Peter Borren (84: 82b, 10×4). But thereafter there was a steady fall of wickets towards the end. Netherlands lost four wickets off the last four balls of its innings to run-outs.
Stirling with a spell of 2-51 was the most successful bowler alongside John Mooney (2-59).
In its chase, Ireland was well served by a 177 run opening stand between skipper William Porterfield (68: 93b, 10×4). The rollicking pace set by Stirling helped Ireland to cruise to its second win in the tournament with consumate ease.
In the end the O’Brien brothers were at the crease when the winning runs were hit, with Niall (57: 58b, 7×4) providing the final push. Kevin ended the game with two mighty sixes.