Two-time T20 world champs West Indies were knocked out of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, after they were defeated by Ireland in their final qualifying match of the tournament on October 21, 2022.
West Indies, who had previously lost to Zimbabwe in the qualifiers, won the toss and decided to bat first against Ireland, who also needed to win the match to make it into the Super 12s as well.
Brandon King top-scored with 62* in 48 balls, while Johnson Charles made 24 runs as West Indies struggled to 146/5 against some restrictive Irish bowling. Gareth Delaney picked 3/16 in his 4 overs.
In reply, Ireland just routed the West Indies bowling as Andy Balbirnie was the only wicket to fall after he made 37 runs in 23 balls and added 73 runs in 7.3 overs with Paul Stirling. Then Stirling added 77* runs with Lorcan Tucker to take Ireland past the winning line.
Stirling remained unbeaten on 66 with 2 sixes and 6 fours, while Tucker made 45* in 35 balls as Ireland won by 9 wickets in 17.3 overs.
With this victory, Ireland qualified for the super 12s with 2 wins in three matches, while West Indies will return back home in a disappointing performance overall in the tournament.
The cricket fraternity was in genuine appreciation for the Irish team and lauded them on Twitter.
Here are the tweets:
