Now Ireland have mighty India in their World Cup sights

IRELAND are far from satisfied with one shock win over World Cup heavyweights England – and are now setting their sights on another seismic result against tournament favourites India.

Kevin O’Brien’s fastest century in the history of the competition, from only 50 balls, flummoxed England in Bangalore on Wednesday as Ireland pulled off the highest-ever World Cup run chase.

But not content with that resounding claim to fame, Ireland are hoping to complete a notable double at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium when they take on the might of India in Group B on Sunday.

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom confirmed celebrations continued long into the night at Ireland’s team hotel.

But recalling their triumph over Pakistan at the last World Cup in the Caribbean, he made it clear they are targeting at least one more major scalp to demonstrate their progress in the intervening four years.

“It was a huge result, and a huger night,” Deutrom said as he reflected on the O’Brien-inspired three-wicket win over a hapless England.

More of the same is anticipated too, within Will Porterfield’s team.

“It was noticeable the players were not triumphant,” added Deutrom. “The big difference between 2007 and 2011 was that four years ago beating Pakistan felt like winning the World Cup.

“This time there is genuine belief that a result like last night can happen again.

“Chasing 300 on that track in that stadium in a World Cup, we have shown we can do it.

“So why not on Sunday against India? That would be some story.”

Ireland have two points on the board, having disappointingly lost their opening match against Bangladesh.

Ireland know more success is probably required to help convince the International Cricket Council that the proposed reduction of this tournament to 10 teams for its next edition – with associate members such as themselves therefore absent – should be reconsidered.

“Ireland and the associates firmly believe that 10 teams (in the next World Cup) are too few.

“But the decision whether there will be a qualifying tournament is still on the table.

“A World Cup should demonstrate not just the quality on display, but the breadth and scope of the world game and the chance of an upset.

“But no-one can deny that Ireland have brought quality to this World Cup. To take that possibility away from a World Cup is wrong.”

Canada’s hopes of emulating Ireland’s famous win were quickly ended yesterday as Shahid Afridi picked up his second five-wicket haul of the tournament to ensure Pakistan scraped to a surprisingly hard fought 46-run Group A victory in Colombo.

Elsewhere, AB de Villiers (134) and Hashim Amla (113) hit centuries to lead South Africa to a crushing 231-run triumph over Holland in their Group B match in Mohali.

England face the Proteas on Sunday, with off-spinner Graeme Swann insisting his side can bounce back from their mauling by Ireland and still win the World Cup.

“If we are going to win this World Cup – which we truly believe we can – we’ve got to go out and prove it,” he said. “It’s annoying in the extreme (England’s poor display), but I’m not taking anything away from Kevin O’Brien and the performance of his life.”