India can underestimate the menacing potential of Ireland only at their peril in today's World Twenty20 match
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Conquerors of Pakistan in the last 50-overs World Cup in the Caribbean, Ireland kayoed Bangladesh from this tournament by six wickets with 10 balls to spare on Monday.
Ireland's cause was helped by a thrilling display of big hitting by the O'Brien brothers Niall and Kevin. Elder sibling Niall has played for Kent and Northamptonshire and younger brother Kevin is on trial with Nottinghamshire.
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Ireland's Kevin O'Brien (right) celebrates with teammate John Mooney after scoring the winning runs during their team's ICC World Twenty20 match against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge on Monday. PIC/AP |
Niall pulled off a brilliant stumping to dismiss Mahmudullah Riad before damaging his ankle in a mid-pitch collision as Bangladesh slumped to 137 for eight.
Niall O'Brien then batted with a runner to give the Ireland batting the requisite early momentum.
Niall, who had a scan yesterday after hearing a crack as he went over on his ankle said, "I wouldn't say I was batting on one leg, but I was struggling."
Niall said of his brother: "He's a big hitter, as big as anyone around including Yuvraj Singh and it's great to have a power-hitter like him coming in down the order.
"It doesn't really feel like we've caused an upset," said Niall O'Brien. "We came here confident of winning and that we were a better side than Bangladesh, but it feels great to be proved right."
Oozing confidence, wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien, who was adjudged man-of-the-match said: "We believe in ourselves and believe we can win every match, so hopefully we can give India a game."
Bangladesh, who lost their first match of the tournament to India were at the receiving end of a flea in the ear by coach Jamie Siddons, who accused his batsmen of "stupid" errors.
"I'm on the borderline between disappointed and angry," Siddons said.
"While Ireland stayed cool, our guys weren't up to it. On that pitch 170 was a par score, not the s****y total we managed."
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