Ambris ton leads West Indies to five-wicket win over Ireland
Caribbeans sound notice to potential rivals at the World Cup
Dublin: Sunil Ambris hit his first One-day International century to help the West Indies to a five-wicket win over Ireland at Malahide on Saturday.
Ambris hit 19 fours and a six in his 126-ball 148 as Ireland’s 327-5 was overhauled with 13 balls to spare. West Indies ended on 331-5 in 47.5 overs to complete its highest successful ODI run chase.
The match looked in the balance when the West Indies slipped to 112-2 in the 20th over, but Ambris and Roston Chase (46) shared 128 for the third wicket to put the visitors firmly on top.
Boyd Rankin took three wickets for Ireland but Jonathan Carter (43 not out) and skipper Jason Holder (36) saw the West Indies home for a second Tri-Nations series victory over the tournament hosts.
Ireland’s innings had been underpinned by Andy Balbirnie, who struck 135 off 124 balls for his fourth ODI century.
West Indies moved above Bangladesh, and Ireland is without a win after three matches.
At Malahide, Dublin: Ireland 327-5, 50 overs (A Balbirnie 135, P Stirling 77, K O’Brien 60) vs West Indies 331-5 off 47.5 overs (S Ambris 148; B Rankin 3-65). Result: West Indies beat Ireland by five wickets.