Ireland boots Windies from T20 World Cup

West Indies were unceremoniously dumped from the T20 World Cup last week, a crushing nine wicket defeat by Ireland signaling yet a low for the beleaguered Caribbean side.

Entering the final must-win Group B qualifier with high hopes of reaching the Super 12s main draw, West Indies hardly troubled an audacious Irish side gathering 146 for five from 20 overs and then watching as the target was overhauled with 15 balls to spare at the Bellerive Oval.

West Indies were tormented by veteran opener Paul Stirling, the 32-year-old lashing and unbeaten 66 off 48 deliveries to guide Ireland into the next round along with Zambia from Group B. The African nation defeating Scotland by five wickets in the other do-or-die qualifier.

The aggressive Sterling posted successive half century stand — 73 for the first wicket with captain Andy Balbrine to make 37 and further 77 in an unbroken second wicket partnership with Lortan Tucker who struck 45 not out from 35 deliveries.

The defeat left the two-time former champion bottom of the tour-team group on just two points, and it came on the heels of their disastrous performance at last year’s showpiece in the United Arab Emirates when they lost four of five games to miss out on the semi-finals.