Kevin O'Brien smashed the fastest ever World Cup ton to help Ireland register a stunning three-wicket win over England in a Group B match on Wednesday.
O'Brien, who clobbered 13 fours and six sixes to reach three figures in only 50 balls, helped the Irish to live up to their reputation as giant-killers as they overhauled England's total of 327-8 with five balls to spare. It was the highest successful run chase in the tournament.
With this blazing crntury, O'Brien eclipsed Mathew Hayden's previous record of hundred in 66 balls against South Africa at St Kitts during the previous edition.
Four years after beating Pakistan in the group stage in the Caribbean, the Irish repeated the feat to dent England's hopes of progressing into the knockout stages of the 2011 tournament.
Ireland were tottering at 111 for 5 when O'Brien joined Alex Cusack (47) in the middle before they staged a revival.
O'Brien first stitched up a 162-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Cusack and then andded 44 with John Mooney (33 not out, 30 balls, 4x6).
O'Brien was eventually run out for 113 but his teammates made sure his effort had not been in vain.
He was rightly named Man of the Match for his brilliant, match-winning knock.
Photograph: Reuters
