ICC World Cup 2015: Ireland shock West Indies with four-wicket win over two-time world champions

Ireland have managed a huge upset after beating the West Indies in the Group B clash of the 2015 ICC World Cup at Saxton Oval, Nelson on Monday.

The Irish side, one of the minnows in this edition of the tournament, claimed their most significant victory since beating England in the World Cup in Bangalore four years ago.

After Ireland captain William Porterfield won the toss and elected to bowl first, the West Indies got off to a terrible start with the early loss of Dwayne Smith (18) and Darren Bravo (0).

Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels tried to rebuild their innings, only to give away their wickets away after managing a strike rate of just above 50.

The Caribbean side had lost five wickets for 87 runs, but Lendl Simmons rode to the rescue with a quick century which helped West Indies post a total of 304.

In reply, Ireland got off to a good start, despite skipper Porterfield's dismissal. Paul Stirling and Ed Joyce put on a 106-run partnership for the second wicket before Stirling was sent back to the pavilion, six runs short of a century.

Joyce was joined by Niall O'Brien and the duo also put on a partnership of 96 runs and that helped Ireland inch closer to victory. O'Brien remained unbeaten at 79, while Joyce was dismissed for 84.

Ireland sealed a comfortable victory by four wickets in the 46<sup>th over. The defeat will be a massive blow for the West Indies, who face Pakistan in their next fixture on Saturday.

Ireland, on the other hand, take on the United Arab Emirates and have a great chance of sealing their second victory of the tournament.