Brian O Rourke

ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Bangladesh

Khulna Divisional Stadium, Khulna, Bangladesh Monday Feb 16th

West Indies U19s 265 for 8 50 overs (X Marshall 83, T Maraj 38, G
Thompson 5-49, A Riddles 3-42)
Ireland U19s 259 for 9 50 overs (K O Brien 95, G Wilson 64, L Simmons
2-48)

West Indies won by 6 runs

Ireland came within just 6 runs of causing a major upset when losing their
Pool D game against West Indies at the Khulna Divisional Stadium in
Bangladesh today. The West Indian opening batsmen Xavier Marshall and
Tishan Maraj tore into the wayward Irish opening bowlers and brought up
their teams 100 in just the 14th over. The introduction of spin bowlers
Greg Thompson and Gary Kidd frustrated their batsmen and although Thompson
gained the honours with figures of 5-46, the 16 year old was first to praise
Kidds efforts from the other end when conceding just 16 runs from his 10
over spell. The West Indies finished their innings strongly scoring 60 runs
in the last five overs to finish with at total of 265.

Ireland set about their run chase in a positive manner with both Gary Wilson
and Kevin O Brien striking the ball fluently, sharing a partnership of 97
runs for the 3rd wicket. Wilson was run out for 64 made from 92 balls, and
O Brien, promoted up the order following good batting performances in the
warm up games, struck a brilliant 95 from 94 balls that included one six and
13 fours.

O Briens departure, caught on the long off boundary with five overs to go,
led to a succession of needless dismissals and in the end Ireland fell
narrowly short.

Although bitterly disappointed the Irish side can take huge credit from
their performance and will take on Pakistan at the same venue tomorrow in
full knowledge that they can compete with the Test playing nations at this
tournament.


Report from Brian O Rourke.