April 15th
Manificent Ireland add another big scalp...
The Kensington Oval was awash with broad Irish smiles after the Ireland cricket team pulled off another superb victory over Bangladesh in the match everyone deemed "The Minnows World Cup Final." But there was no shock in this success as Ireland comprehensively outplayed their opponents in batting, bowling and fielding, and thoroughly deserved their win. It also says much for their confidence that when Trent Johnston won the toss he elected to bat on the sporty Oval pitch, something of a gamble given Ireland's batting debacle against the rampant Aussies. But openers Bray and Porterfield laid the foundation of a solid 243 score which was always a total the boys felt they could defend. And when Langford-Smith and Rankin picked up the crucial early wickets another chapter in this amazing fairytale gradually fell into place. Ireland 's victory parade around the ground was as much a tribute to the fans as the team, as the bond between both has been one of the highlights of this tournament. The bonus from the win will be an ODI world rating and more status and respect from all and sundry, including some of the earlier critics! What a magnificent effort from the management and squad, ably supported from the ICU 'Suits" who get so much criticism from the armchair critics on our websites. Step out of the closets guys and give credit where credit is due!
