Pollard powers West Indies to emphatic win in World Cup

Ireland falter despite Joyce’s heroics.

MOHALI:

A Kieron Pollard-inspired West Indies stifled Ireland’s brave fightback to win by 44 runs in the World Cup.

Pollard hammered 94 off 55 balls and shared an 88-run stand with Devon Smith as West Indies posted 275 before bowling out Ireland for 231. The win virtually assured West Indies of a place in the last-eight. Ireland must win their remaining matches to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

“We bowled where we wanted to and that got us the victory,” said West Indies captain Darren Sammy.

Man-of- the-match Pollard felt that the victory was crucial in keeping his team’s momentum going. “This innings is for the people who’ve supported me. It’s important to keep the momentum going.”

Sammy was rewarded for creating pressure when he dismissed captain William Porterfield for 11. Ed Joyce steadied the innings with a 91-run stand with Gary Wilson (61). He made 84 and kept Ireland in the hunt until he was bowled by Andre Russell.

The Irish captain was left to rue a controversial decision by the umpire who adjudged Wilson lbw. The decision was referred and TV replays showed that Wilson had offered a shot but de Silva upheld his decision.

“The decision was crucial and cost us the game,” said Porterfield

A strong foundation

Earlier, Smith laid the foundation for a big West Indies total with an innings of 107. He added 89 runs with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, opening the innings after Chris Gayle was ruled out with injury.

Kevin O’Brien  grabbed four wickets and Ireland’s bowlers took regular wickets at the end of the innings. However, they were left to rue missed chances against Pollard, who was let off twice. He punished the Irish, racing to his half-century off 35 balls.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2011.