Ireland stun two-time champs WI

Riding on Paul Stirling (92), Ed Joyce (84) and Niall O'Brien's (79*), Ireland reached the target of 307 runs for the loss of six wickets after West Indies posted 304 runs for the loss of seven wickets.

All the three Irishmen played brilliantly and it was Stirling who had played a crucial role in setting the foundation for the European side to commence a run chase and build their innings.

He smashed nine boundaries and three sixes in his knock.

Joyce used all his experience in his 67-ball knock as he joined Stirling in adding a crucial 106 runs  partnership in the second wicket partnership.

Later he also added 96 runs in  the third wicket partnership with  O'Brien which took them near the target.

Ireland are known for creating upsets in the World Cup, as they had earlier defeated Pakistan in 2007 and then England in 2011.

Ireland lost few quick wickets at the end of the innings but O'Brien remained unbeaten till the end to reach the target with 25 balls to spare.

West Indian bowlers lacked the sting needed to even trouble the Irish batsmen.

Experienced, Jerome Taylor took three wickets at the end.

Riding on Lendl Simmons (102) and Darren Sammy's fighting 89, West Indies  earlier recovered from 87-5  to post 304 runs on the scorecard.

The duo added 154 runs in the sixth wicket partnership to help the side reach a competitive total after it received initials jolts at the hands of the 11 ranked side.

Ireland had earlier reached the second group stage of the World Cup in 2007.

This time they will now look forward to their matches against the UAE, Zimbabwe, India and Pakistan to book their place in the next round