Ireland secured the most significant result in their cricket-playing history after defeating the West Indies in a bilateral one-day international series in the Caribbean.
Andy Balbirnie and his team came from one game down to triumph over the West Indies. Thus, securing the series by a 2-1 margin.
Andy McBrine was the star of the show for Ireland with both bat and ball in the decisive contest.
He was on point to take four wickets to help bowl out the West Indies for 212 before he notched a half-century to guide his team over the line by two wickets with 31 balls to spare.
It was Ireland’s first victory over a major Test-playing nation, although they had previously defeated Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
Looking forward to the 50-over World Cup – the possibility of Ireland competing
Ireland can now look at the 50-over World Cup in 2023 with the possibility of competing once more at the tournament after failing to qualify in 2019 in England.
Ireland is currently backed at 129/1 in the odds on cricket betting with Betfair to win the competition. Thus, highlighting how much of a task it will be to compete with the leading nations in the tournament.
However, just qualifying for the tournament once more will be a step in the right direction for Ireland. You can follow their progress before the start of the tournament in the cricket betting tips.
Here, you can track their performances against their fellow minnows.
The result against the West Indies should give Balbirnie and his team all the confidence in the world. The Windies were not playing a scratch side.
An all-star line-up – Ireland looking forward after West Indies win
The Ireland team included many star names, such as skipper Kieron Pollard, Shai Hope, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, and Alzarri Joseph.
Ireland was able to execute with skill and composure under pressure, especially in the decider when Mark Adair and Craig Young held their nerve to whittle off the remaining runs.
Their performances under the spotlight will give Ireland the belief that they can dig out results in all of their qualifying matches, even when not operating at the peak of their powers.
Up-and-coming talent – plenty of potential
There are also encouraging signs from the fledgling talents that Ireland are cultivating. Harry Tector played a huge role in securing the series for Balbirnie’s men.
The 22-year-old scored three half-centuries on the bounce, including an unbeaten knock of 53 to guide his team to victory in the second ODI.
Tector is on an upward trajectory. He offers Ireland hope for the next generation of players coming through the ranks in the light of William Porterfield and Kevin O’Brien’s age.
Tector will face a challenge to maintain the standard of his form. However, the fact that he rose to the occasion at number three in the order against a talented attack that even England have struggled against bodes very well for the future of the 22-year-old in the line-up.
If he could attach himself to an English county to play in the Royal London Cup, it would be very beneficial for his development.
A talented team – global recognition
All-rounder Curtis Campher did not have his best series. Still, the 22-year-old is arguably the most talented player emerging in the Ireland ranks.
He batted extremely well against England in 2020, notching half-centuries in defeats at the Ageas Bowl.
Campher was also impressive with the ball in seaming conditions. He took four wickets against the United States in the early part of Ireland’s tour of the USA and the West Indies.
There is plenty of potential there to unlock. His talent has been recognised on the global stage after playing for Chennai Braves in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament.
As Campher gains experience, he could be one to watch over the next 18 months, potentially as a potent opener bowler alongside McBrine in the World Cup.
Ireland made a statement against the West Indies by stunning Pollard’s men. However, it might not be the last upset they cause over the next 18 months.
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