West Indies beat Ireland, achieve their highest successful ODI chase in history

West Indies have had a poor record when it comes to chasing targets in excess of 300 in ODIs. In their entire history, they have chased down a target of 300+ only once which was 309 against Pakistan in Providence in 2017. At that time, it was their highest successful chase. In the recent series against England, they almost did the unthinkable and were on the cusp of chasing down 419 but they fell short. However, just ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 campaign, West Indies managed to create history as they chased down 328 in Dublin to go on top in the tri-series tournament involving Bangladesh.

Andrew Balbirnie smashed a magnificent 135 but it was trumped by Sunil Ambris’ knock of 148 as West Indies won by five wickets with 13 balls to spare. The win boosted West Indies to the top of the table with their next encounter against Bangladesh a virtual final before the final.

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Ireland chose to bat and they suffered an immediate jolt when James McCollum was dismissed for 5 by Sheldon Cottrell. However, Balbirnie and Paul Stirling shared a 146-run stand for the second wicket with Stirling looking in great touch. However, Stirling missed out on a chance to score a century but Balbirnie continued on his merry ways with a fantastic century. His 135 came off 124 deliveries and it included 11 fours and four sixes and his knock gave Ireland the perfect platform.

Kevin O’Brien blasted 63 off 40 balls to give the Irish innings the perfect finishing touch as they notched up 327/5. In response, West Indies began brilliantly with Shai Hope and Ambris notching up an 84-run opening stand in just 12 overs. When Hope and Darren Bravo fell without a significant contribution, Roston Chase stepped up and shared a brilliant stand with Ambris.

The duo shared a 128-run stand for the third wicket before Chase was sent back by Joshua Little. Ambris notched up a century and Jonathan Carter gave the innings much needed momentum as he blasted 43 off 27 balls. When Ambris fell for 148, West Indies were still some distance away but Jason Holder and Carter shared a quick 75-run stand and it gave West Indies their highest successful chase in ODI history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sunil Ambris was playing in his fourth ODI.
• West Indies had chased down 300-plus only once before this match.
• West Indies are on top of the table in the tri-series.