From the Vault : Cricket World Cup Greatest Match – England v Ireland, 2011

There were some great upsets at the World Cup, but none were perhaps as fascinating as the time when Ireland triumphed over England by three wickets in Bengaluru – if nothing else, because England lost as good as they could, and Ireland did not win for the higher-rated side on a bad day.

Three half-centuries-59 for Kevin Pietersen, 92 for Jonathan Trott and 81 for Ian Bell-took England to a solid 327/8. It was because John Mooney turned into an outstanding series, picking up 4/63 and preventing a late flourish, if they didn’t get more. England was on 278 after 43 overs but only 49 more could be added.

Which gave Ireland the momentum at the break but when they were reduced to 111/5 it was bleak for them. This was, however, the day of Ireland, and of Kevin O’Brien.

He smoked a 63-ball 113 – still the fastest century in the history of World Cups, coming off 50 balls – and had good support from Alex Cusack (47) and Mooney (33 *) as Ireland passed the target with three wickets in hand in the last over.