West Indies keeps spirited Ireland at bay

Devon Smith's patient 107 and Kieron Pollard's brilliant 94 off 55 balls helped West Indies register a 44-run win over Ireland at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on Friday.

In a Group B match, West Indies asked to bat first, made 275 off its 50 overs and in reply bowled out Ireland for 231 in 49 overs.

Earlier, West Indies were well served by a steady start of 89 for the opening wicket between Smith (107: 133b, 11x4, 1x6) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (35). Later Pollard (94: 55b, 8x4, 5x6) powered West Indies to a challenging total. Pollard and Smith added 88 runs for the fourth wicket to provide momentum to the West Indies innings.

For Ireland, Kevin O'Brien with 4-71 was the best bowler on view.

In its chase, Ireland looked to be on course at 177 for three in 37.2 overs. Ed Joyce (84: 106b, 9x4) and Gary Wilson (61: 62b, 6x4, 1x6) added 91 runs for the fourth wicket. Thereafter the middle and lower-order collapsed under pressure applied by West Indies.

Sulieman Benn with 4-53 and Darren Sammy (3-31) combined well to bowl West Indies to a well-earned win.