Ireland reach Super 12s and eliminate West Indies in crushing win

Ireland have qualified for the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup and eliminated two-time champions West Indies after a thumping nine-wicket win in Hobart.

Ireland are into the second round for the first time since 2009, with West Indies – winners of this tournament in 2012 and 2016 – subjected to a first-round exit for just the second time after a crushing defeat at Bellerive Oval.

Paul Stirling (66 not out off 48) and Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie (37 off 23) pumped an opening stand of 73 from just 7.3 overs as their side eased to a target of 147 with 15 deliveries to spare.

Stirling went on to secure a 32-ball half-century during an unbroken second-wicket partnership of 79 with Lorcan Tucker (45no off 35).

Leg-spinner Gareth Delany had earlier starred for Ireland with the ball, bagging 3-16 from four overs as West Indies were restricted to 146-5, with only Brandon King (62 off 48) playing a sustained innings.

Ireland lost their opening match to Zimbabwe and were then labouring in their run chase against Scotland – but they rallied to win that match before recording a famous victory over West Indies, albeit against a team without the star names of yesteryear.