Sports
March 4, 2011
O’Brien ton helps Ireland shock England

Kevin O’Brien blazed the fastest century in Cricket World Cup history as Ireland pulled off an astonishing victory over England in Bangalore.{{more}}

He smashed 113 off 63 balls as Ireland recovered from 111-5 to overhaul their target of 328 with five balls to spare and three wickets in hand.

Earlier, fifties from Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell had driven England to an imposing 327-8.

But O’Brien’s stunning assault powered Ireland to a famous triumph.

Only three days after England’s thrilling tie with India, Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium played host to another of one-day cricket’s most dramatic encounters as Ireland produced the highest run chase ever at the World Cup.

O’Brien, a 26-year-old all-rounder who had never made a fifty in nine previous World Cup innings, turned the match on its head with a brutal display of hitting featuring 13 fours and six sixes and a partnership of 162 with Alex Cusack.(BBC)