West Indies Cricket

West Indies are on the cusp of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals after a six-wicket victory over UAE in Napier, a win highlighted by Wellington News:

That's it! #WI win in convincing fashion in Napier and keep its quarterfinal hopes ALIVE! #WIvUAE pic.twitter.com/yelLRjHYeP | @cricketworldcup

— Wellington News (@wellingtonnews) March 15, 2015

The men from the Caribbean dismissed the Associate nation for 175 after winning the toss and electing to bowl at McLean Park.

			Runs	Minutes	Balls	4s	6s
Amjad Ali	lbw	b Holder	5	29	19	0	0
Berenger	c Ramdin	b Holder	7	15	7	1	0
Chandran	c Dwayne Smith	b Holder	0	9	6	0	0
Khurram Khan		b Taylor	5	8	5	1	0
Anwar		b Taylor	2	13	6	0	0
Patil		b Holder	6	34	20	0	0
Javed		b Russell	56	132	99	7	1
Aziz	c Holder	b Samuels	60	117	86	8	0
Naveed		b Russell	14	6	9	1	1
Tauqir		b Taylor	2	17	19	0	0
Guruge	not out		4	12	10	0	0
Extras		0nb 10w 0b 4lb	14
Bowler			Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Taylor			8.4	0	36	3
Holder			10	1	27	4
Roach			8	0	54	0
Russell			8	3	20	2
Samuels			10	4	25	1
Sammy			1	0	4	0
Dwayne Smith			2	0	5	0

WI reached the target with 19.3 overs to spare, and the win takes them to six points at the end of their Pool B campaign.

			Runs	Minutes	Balls	4s	6s
Dwayne Smith	c Patil	b Guruge	15	11	9	1	1
Charles	c Chandran	b Javed	55	71	40	9	2
Samuels	c Berenger	b Guruge	9	19	18	1	0
Carter	not out		50	103	58	5	0
Russell	c and b Javed		7	8	8	0	1
Ramdin	not out		33	54	50	2	0
Extras		0nb 3w 0b 4lb	7
Bowler			Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Aziz			6	0	47	0
Naveed			6	0	34	0
Guruge			7.3	1	40	2
Tauqir			3	0	22	0
Javed			8	0	29	2

They improved their net run rate to such an extent that only a no result or tie between Pakistan and Ireland, in the ongoing final Pool game, will deny West Indies a meeting with New Zealand in the last eight in Wellington on Saturday. The Twitter account A Cricket Fan posted the current Pool B points table:

Latest points table of Pool B. Still undecided. Now #WI moved up to 3rd place. #WIvUAE #CWC15 #PAKvsIRE #lionsroar pic.twitter.com/3ZPeAun8sM

— A Cricket Fan (@VishuddikaSri) March 15, 2015

Captain Jason Holder led by example as he took 4-27, removing the top three batsman with his opening 15 balls.

New ball partner Jerome Taylor also got in on the act, pegging back the stumps of Khurram Khan and UAE’s best batsman Shaiman Anwar. CricketNDTV shared an assessment regarding West Indies bowlers:

#WorldCup2015: #WI bowlers in a rush to finish match v #UAE early. Have taken 5 inside 9 overs http://t.co/EyEBvUYNpZ pic.twitter.com/4HlEEkJCkA

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 14, 2015

From 31-5 at the end of the powerplay, things took a turn for the worse when Holder picked up his fourth wicket but Amjad Javed (56) and Nasir Aziz (60) put on 107 for the seventh wicket. Statistician Mohandas Menon posted a West Indies stat as it relates to 100-plus stands:

In WC history only two 100+ stands for the 7th wkt and both stands were for 107 runs and both by UAE pairs #WIvUAE #CWC15

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 15, 2015

Andre Russell ended the partnership when he bowled Javed with a slower delivery, and he then bowled Mohammad Naveed (14) before Aziz drove Marlon Samuels to Holder at cover.

Taylor polished off the innings to finish with 3-36 with UAE failing to use 14 balls of their allocation, which led to some record-setting UAE stats, per cricket statistician Bharath Seervi:

UAE's 175 is the lowest all out total to include a century partnership in World Cup matches and the sixth lowest in overall ODI #CWC15

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) March 15, 2015

With the remnants of Cyclone Pam lurking and rain forecast in the afternoon, West Indies were in a hurry with Johnson Charles replacing the injured Chris Gayle at the top or the order.

Charles watched on as Manjula Guruge had Dwayne Smith (15) caught behind and Samuels (9) caught at backward point with West Indies 69-2 at the end of the powerplay.

The recalled Charles made his case for replacing the out-of-form Smith in a potential quarter-final by bringing up his 50 off 34 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes. Cricket World Cup shared match and scoring highlights:

Great 50 from Johnson Charles! He has kicked this #WI innings into gear! http://t.co/ZfdYcCYZPI #WIvUAE pic.twitter.com/ieAeirQMk9

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 15, 2015

Amjad Javed removed Charles (55) and Russell (7) in quick succession as they attempted big shots over the top but Jonathan Carter (50) and Denesh Ramdin (33) saw WI home with a 58-run partnership and ensured they had a superior net run rate to Pakistan in the process.

The West Indies won the toss in their latest Cricket World Cup game against India and chose to bat, with opener Chris Gayle surely desperate to unleash his usual aggressive strokes.

On form, Gayle is one of the most destructive batsmen in the world, someone who can take the game away from the opposition in the space of just 10 or 15 overs.

However, against India he was strangely neutered as he made 21 from 27 balls in 44 torturous minutes, and when he departed at 35-3 after nine overs, his side was already in trouble.

Early on, he refused to run singles and instead stayed in the crease, meaning both he and his opening partner Dwayne Smith were marooned and unable to keep the scorecard moving.

At one point, Gayle had just one run from 11 balls, with his first single coming in the sixth over, when the West Indian total was still not in double figures. It was frustrating to watch, and he was almost put of his misery by Mohammed Shami as he swung at a wide one but was dropped by Umesh Yadav.

At the other end, Smith was already gone, having been unable to get up the other end; then Marlon Samuels was run out as he ended up at the same end as the unmoved Gayle.

This seemed to sting the left-hander into action of sorts, as he tried to open his shoulders and push the run-rate back toward respectable levels. At times he was successful, as he hit a four and then a six off Yadav for his first boundaries of the game.

However, sandwiched in between those two shots over the rope was an indication that Gayle was trying too hard, as he threw the kitchen sink at a short-and-wide one. He managed to make contact but it was a sliced shot to third man, where Shami dove and almost got his fingers under the ball but could not quite reach it.

From then on, Gayle continued to try to clear his front leg and hammer the ball out of the ground but only managed to hit one more boundary. His wild swinging and missing meant India were able to build pressure and bowl dot balls, which continued to put the West Indies in a difficult position.

In the end, Gayle’s knock was brought to a conclusion in the ninth over, as he skied a pull shot off Shami and was caught by Mohit Sharma.

That left the West Indians 35-3, and once again their fragile middle order was relied upon to simultaneously rebuild and push on for a big total.

Unfortunately, they could not manage it, as India’s stranglehold continued, but the primary reason for the West Indies being at such a disadvantage with the bat was Gayle.

His strategy was ridiculous, as he looked for boundaries and nothing else and showed a great deal of reluctance to place the ball into the gaps and run through for singles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zkomi39BWg

It showed a lack of teamwork and a lack of understanding at how one-day internationals work as a game, as taking singles is a crucial part of any team’s strategy. All the best ODI batsmen have been capable of finding the boundaries but also taking the singles when they are on offer. 

Gayle’s decision to play such an innings came back to haunt him, and it may put them at a great disadvantage when the West Indies try to qualify from Pool B.

On the strength of their pasting at the hands of South Africa in their latest Cricket World Cup match, the West Indies are in serious trouble against strong opponents.

In the course of their defeat by 257 runs, the West Indians at times looked clueless and unable to stop the bleeding, especially in the face of AB de Villiers’ aggression with the bat.

Usually, when looking to apportion blame after such a defeat, one individual who must take some responsibility is the captain.

However, in his side’s defeat, there was little more that Jason Holder could have done, and instead the focus must be on those more senior players around him.

The 23-year-old was thrust into the captaincy having played less than 30 one-day internationals, with the West Indies Cricket Board saying they were looking to build for the future.

There is no doubt of his talent as a cricketer with both bat and ball, and he may well turn into a very good player in future years.

In this game, he looked very impressive early on to deliver eight overs and take one for 40, having taken the wicket of Quinton de Kock and bowled two maidens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxZi8Z539PM

However, his final two overs fell apart in the face of De Villiers’ relentless hitting, and he conceded a whopping 64 runs.

That in itself does not look good, especially considering that he bowled a number of no balls, but with a batsman in such form, it is perhaps unsurprising that he was taken apart so well.

What is worrying is that the West Indians showed very little fight in their reply as they looked to chase down a mammoth and virtually impossible target of 409 for victory.

The top order fell away early, with Chris Gayle dismissed for just three in the second over to give his side the worst possible start given his hitting abilities.

Marlon Samuels pushed at a ball he could have left and was caught behind, while Lendl Simmons should have reviewed a decision to give him out leg before wicket off Imran Tahir.

The only player in the top seven to come out with any real credit was Dwayne Smith, who hit 31 off 34 balls from his spot at one in the order.

However, even he was guilty of throwing it away, as he holed out to long on going for another big shot and saw David Miller take a brilliant catch.

Once again, it was left to Holder to try to salvage some pride, and he did so with a well-made 56 from 48 balls to help his side avoid their worst ODI defeat ever.

His team-mates must surely look at themselves and their efforts with the bat, but Holder is in an unfortunate position.

While he is still learning his own game, he must also learn the nuances of international captaincy and balance the responsibilities of a very tough job indeed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9-BEpsXDq0

Of course, it does not help the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were left at home by the WICB but given the circumstances, Holder is doing his best.

With two pool games left against India and the United Arab Emirates, they should be in a good spot to qualify for the next round.

Unfortunately, that will not mask the problems that swirl around West Indies cricket, of which Holder is a victim.

Jerome Taylor wowed the Cricket World Cup crowd in Sydney with a stunning one-handed catch on the boundary.

WHAT A CATCH! Jerome Taylor you superstar! http://t.co/I7iaUg3DiC #SAvWI #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/yxhSGT73s0

— FOX SPORTS Cricket (@FOXCricketLive) February 27, 2015

The West Indies bowlers were taking a pounding from South Africa and needed something a bit special to keep them in the game.

Step forward Taylor.

David Miller climbed into a full ball from Andre Russell and launched it toward the long-on boundary.

It had six written all over it, but Taylor had not read the script as he ran round the boundary, jumped in the air and pouched the ball with his right hand and had the presence of mind to stay inside the rope.

Like it was nothing! “@WillHillAus: Jerome Taylor - if you don't mind! #SAvWI https://t.co/KxwPEYWH1y”

— Mr. Perry (@MarlonPerry) February 27, 2015

Taylor’s team-mates were impressed, as Russell and Darren Sammy bowed down with huge grins on their faces.

It was the sort of catch that would have captured more attention, were it not for the amazing batting of AB De Villiers who smashed the second-fastest century in Cricket World Cup history.

Chris Gayle rewrote the World Cup record books as the West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by 73 runs (D/L method) in Canberra on Tuesday.

The big-hitting Jamaican smashed 16 sixes and 10 fours en route to a World Cup-record score of 215.

Gayle shared a record stand of 372 with Marlon Samuels, as the West Indies recorded the fifth-highest total in the history of the World Cup.

What made Gayle's spectacular display all the more remarkable is his recent terrible form. Prior to today, his seven most recent visits to the middle produced scores of four, 36, one, nought, nought, 10 and one! Form is temporary, class is permanent, so the saying goes.

The West Indies looked in for a tricky day after Dwayne Smith was dismissed for a second-ball duck. Gayle himself looked scratchy at the start of his knock, and a score of 43 for one after 10 overs gave no indication of the carnage to come.

Once he did find his range, the crowd in Canberra were treated to a spectacular display of clean hitting.

While Gayle was delivering rocket after rocket, Samuels was chugging along serenely at the other end.

By the end of the innings, Gayle's Jamaican compatriot had found his range too. The pair added a ridiculous 207 from the final 15 overs as Samuels finished with an unbeaten 133.

THERE IT IS!!! The Highest score EVER in the Cricket World Cup! Congratulations Chris Gayle!! http://t.co/wZRA8Ec6Zx pic.twitter.com/iLuTDh9l1i

— ICC (@ICC) February 24, 2015

Chasing down a victory target of 373 never looked on, but Zimbabwe put in a decent effort with the bat. Getting to 289 was no disgrace and won't do their net run rate any harm.

Next up for the West Indies is South Africa in Sydney on Friday. The Proteas looked well off the pace while losing to India and will be vulnerable against a West Indian side rapidly growing in confidence.

Zimbabwe's next game is a must-win clash with Pakistan on Sunday 1 March. A win in Brisbane would throw the group wide open.

Shot of the Day

Though Gayle's 215 included plenty of huge strikes, few can have been as satisfying as the one that brought up his double-hundred.

The 35-year-old clubbed a slightly overpitched delivery from Tendai Chatara to the extra cover boundary to bring up his amazing milestone.

WATCH: Chris Gayle reaches his double hundred. Watch the action on Sky Sports World Cup #fireitup #cwc15 - http://t.co/DMTddkOJip

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 24, 2015

Delivery of the Day

Top-class sport is a game of fine margins, and nowhere was that more in evidence than the opening over of the West Indies innings.

After dismissing Dwayne Smith with his second ball, Zimbabwean seamer Tinashe Panyagara almost grabbed a second just two deliveries later.

Chris Gayle was struck in front by a full-length delivery, but umpire Steve Davis said no. Zimbabwe called for the review which revealed that the ball was hitting, but not firmly enough to overturn the umpire's initial verdict.

A few millimetres closer to the stumps, and the game could have turned out very differently.

Catch of the Day

The West Indians were efficient in the field, taking the catches they should have. There weren't any candidates for the catch-of-the-tournament, so the plaudits will go to Gayle.

Cricket's “Mr. Cool” followed up his majestic double-hundred by picking up two wickets and finished it off by pouching a catch at extra cover to dismiss Elton Chigumbura.

Reaction

Social media was quick to heap praise on the Gayle super show, with Aussie great Dean Jones leading the way.

Great stuff @henrygayle on your double 100! #amazing #CWC2015 #WIvZIM

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) February 24, 2015

Fellow Aussie Jason Gillespie had his tongue firmly in his cheek with his Twitter response.

Lovely knock @henrygayle. It's no test double v Bangladesh but well batted nonetheless. #WIvZIM #CWC15

— Jason Gillespie (@YCCCDizzy) February 24, 2015

Perhaps most interesting, for the stats nerds among us at least, was a statistical round-up from OptaJim. Amazingly, over 40 per cent of the deliveries Gayle faced were dot balls!

215 - Here is a statistical summary of @henrygayle's 215 from 147 balls. Detail. #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/FOvQ0dGh7R

— OptaJim (@OptaJim) February 24, 2015

Pool B Standings

India	2	2	0	0	2.06	4
West Indies	3	2	1	0	1.339	4
Ireland	1	1	0	0	0.618	2
South Africa	2	1	1	0	-0.68	2
Zimbabwe	3	1	2	0	-0.827	2
UAE	1	0	1	0	-0.258	0
Pakistan	2	0	2	0	-2.26	0

Tuesday's Action

The Associate countries take centre stage on Tuesday as Ireland face the United Arab Emirates at the Gabba.

After shocking the West Indies, the Irish will be hoping to keep the pressure on their higher-profile rivals with another win on Tuesday.

The UAE lost to Zimbabwe by four wickets in their opening match.

Chris Gayle can be the most devastating batsman in world cricket on his day and he ripped up the record books in Tuesday's World Cup Pool B match between the West Indies and Zimbabwe in Canberra.

The WI opener scored the first double century in World Cup history.

He reached the mark off just 138 balls with an incredible 16 sixes.

WATCH: Chris Gayle reaches his double hundred. Watch the action on Sky Sports World Cup #fireitup #cwc15 - http://t.co/DMTddkOJip

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 24, 2015

It was only the fifth double century in the history of one-day international cricket. This was the 3,612th game.

The 35-year-old from Jamaica also shared the highest partnership in ODI history with Marlon Samuels as they combined for a stand of 372.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV5eumnTPQM

Gayle was eventually dismissed off the final ball of the innings after hitting 215 from 147 balls with 10 boundaries.

That is the third highest individual score in the history of the 50-over game, just behind Rohit Sharma's landmark 264 last year and Virender Sehwag's 219 in 2011.

Chris Gayle's Wagon Wheel from his record innings of 215!

WATCH it all here! http://t.co/q01jOlhXlS#cwc15 #WIvZIM pic.twitter.com/s6OX6ilNtN

— ICC (@ICC) February 24, 2015

West Indies applaud Gayle's EPIC innings! https://t.co/H2YZkjrbWC

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 24, 2015

He certainly deserves his round of applause.

West Indies got their Cricket World Cup campaign back on track with a crushing 150-run victory over Pakistan in Christchurch on Saturday.

The Caribbean islanders were put into bat and made 310-6 at the Hagley Oval.

			Runs	Minutes	Balls	4s	6s
Dwayne Smith	c Sohail	b Sohail Khan	23	34	27	4	0
Gayle	c Riaz	b Irfan	4	21	14	0	0
Darren Bravo	retd hurt		49	230	78	3	0
Samuels	c Sub	b Sohail	38	68	52	4	0
Ramdin	c Sub	b Sohail	51	65	43	7	0
Simmons	run out (Sohail Khan)		50	85	46	4	2
Sammy	c Shahid Afridi	b Riaz	30	36	28	3	1
Russell	not out		42	14	13	3	4
Extras		1nb 14w 2b 6lb	23
Bowler			Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Irfan			10	0	44	1
Sohail Khan			10	1	73	1
Shahid Afridi			10	0	48	0
Sohail			9	0	62	2
Riaz			10	0	67	1
Maqsood			1	0	8	0

They then bowled out Pakistan for 160 as they responded to losing to Ireland by four wickets at the Saxton Oval in Nelson on Monday in the best fashion.

			Runs	Minutes	Balls	4s	6s
Jamshed	c Russell	b Taylor	0		2	0	0
Shehzad	c Simmons	b Holder	1	16	10	0	0
Younus Khan	c Ramdin	b Taylor	0	2	1	0	0
Sohail	c Sub	b Taylor	0	6	6	0	0
Misbah-ul-Haq	c Gayle	b Russell	7	32	21	1	0
Maqsood	c Benn	b Sammy	50	92	66	4	1
U Akmal	c Dwayne Smith	b Russell	59	88	71	5	1
Shahid Afridi	c Holder	b Benn	28	49	26	4	0
Riaz	c Ramdin	b Russell	3	15	13	0	0
Sohail Khan	c Ramdin	b Benn	1	12	8	0	0
Irfan	not out		2	6	11	0	0
Extras		1nb 5w 0b 3lb	9
Bowler			Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Taylor			7	1	15	3
Holder			7	2	23	1
Russell			8	2	33	3
Sammy			8	0	47	1
Benn			9	0	39	2

WI had contributions throughout their batting order as they made over 300 for the second match in a row.

For the first time West Indies' 7 batsmen score over 20 runs in their World Cup history. #CWC15 #PAKvWI

— Cricket Records (@cricinfo_record) February 21, 2015

Chris Gayle (four) again failed to fire and the early loss of opening partner Dwayne Smith (23) saw them stutter to 28-2.

Left-arm spinner Haris Sohail had both Marlon Samuels (38) and Denesh Ramdin (51) caught at long-off, attempting big shots, but they had taken the total to 195-4 after 40 overs with Darren Bravo making 49 before retiring hurt with a leg muscle pull.

They finished the innings with a flourish as Lendl Simmons, who scored a century against Ireland, made 50 before being run out off the final ball. However, he was overshadowed by Andre Russell who smashed four sixes in making 42 from only 13 balls.

Most runs in non Powerplay overs in #CWC15
269 SAf v Zim (Hamilton)
248 WI v Pak (Christchurch)
243 Aus v Eng (Melbourne) #PakvWI

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) February 21, 2015

Pakistan suffered a 76-run defeat to neighbours and reigning champions India in Adelaide last Sunday and again their run chase failed to sparkle.

They collapsed to 1-4 with Jerome Taylor removing Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan and Haris Sohail for ducks in his opening two overs.

Most golden ducks in ODIs (Pakistani):
Afridi 12 (all time most),
Moin Khan 11,
Wasim Akram 10,
Waqar Younis 8
Younis Khan 7
#CWC15 #PAKvWI

— Cricket Records (@cricinfo_record) February 21, 2015

Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, who made 76 against India, then became the first of man-of-the-match Russell’s three victims after making only seven.

Sohaib Maqsood and Umar Akmal made half-centuries, putting on 80 for the sixth wicket, but international cricket’s most mercurial side were all out in 39 overs. Tall spinner Sulieman Benn, who missed the Ireland game, polished off the tail.

In 1992 WC Pakistan after five games - lost 3, won 1, Nr 1
Then won the next five and with it the 1992 WC title...#PakvWI#CWC15

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) February 21, 2015

West Indies next play Zimbabwe on Tuesday in Pool B, while Pakistan have to wait until March 1 to boost confidence when they also play the Africans.

Day 3 at the World Cup and a first upset. However, no one, least of all Ireland captain William Porterfield, seemed that surprised by the result.

Ireland—the nation that knocked out Pakistan in 2007 and then toppled England in a group fixture four years later—again showed their love for the big stage, beating West Indies in Nelson.

A century from Lendl Simmons and Darren Sammy’s 89 seemed to have got the men from the Caribbean out of trouble after they had slipped to 87-5 in their innings.

However, their final total of 304-7 still wasn’t enough.

Led by Paul Stirling’s 92 at the top of the order and guided home by Niall O’Brien’s unbeaten 79, Ireland managed to record a four-wicket triumph.

Despite a late clatter of wickets with the finishing line in sight, they still coasted to their target at the Saxton Oval with 25 deliveries to spare.

'The Winning Moment' Ireland fans go wild after the boundary that sealed a four wicket win #cwc15 #WIvIRE https://t.co/8uCnQjTKUl

— ICC (@ICC) February 16, 2015

Shot of the day 

The last of Chris Gayle’s 21 ODI centuries came back in June of 2013. Since then, he has reached 50 just once in his last 18 knocks.

He patiently worked his way to 36 on Monday, suggesting he was determined to get himself back into some sort of form at the start of the tournament.

But, having barely cut loose during the initial power play, he gave his wicket away far too easily, pulling a short delivery straight out to the fielder on the boundary.

There was, though, one moment to remind us of what Gayle can do; he came down the wicket to launch George Dockrell straight down the ground for a huge six.

You realise it’s a big blow when the cameraman pans so far around that he’s looking at an area no longer inside the ground.

Before he was dismissed by @georgedockrell @henrygayle smashed a MASSIVE SIX: http://t.co/1STf00vUzN #cwc15 #WIvIRE pic.twitter.com/QrpgL3YwVe

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 15, 2015

But enough about a six from a player that ended up on the losing side. Here, instead, are more Irish fans celebrating:

Victory song from the Ireland supporters in Nelson! https://t.co/oe6boVvfFx #BestFansInTheWorld #BackingGreen

— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) February 16, 2015

Delivery of the day 

It was not a particularly good day for the bowlers. The game produced more than 600 runs, and the two teams combined to hit 18 sixes.

Yet Ireland could have been chasing an even bigger target had it not been for the efforts of their two front-line spinners, Andy McBrine and Dockrell.

Right-armer McBrine—playing in only his fourth ODI—gave up just 26 runs from his 10 overs.

While Dockrell was more expensive than his fellow slow bowler, the left-arm off-spinner picked up three crucial wickets to leave West Indies in a spot of bother.

He sent back Gayle and Marlon Samuels in the same over, getting the latter out with a lovely delivery that caught the batsman on the crease, leading to him being trapped lbw for 21.

Dockrell also went on to dismiss Denesh Ramdin, who was out lbw, in his next over. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmgRXOFNbKI

Catch of the day

There were few outstanding candidates to take the award. While plenty of catches were taken, few will live long in the memory.

The best of the lot came towards the end of the first innings; Dockrell—stationed out at deep cover—came in off the boundary rope to dismiss Simmons off the penultimate ball of the final over.

A lofted drive had plenty of air, giving the fielder enough time to judge the flight of the ball. He took the chance falling forwards to the ground.

As for the catching efforts in the crowd, one word can be used to sum them up: dismal.

It seems the pressure of knowing there is money available for a one-handed grab is starting to get to some spectators, along with whatever they are choosing to rehydrate themselves with during proceedings.

When is an upset not an upset?

Ireland—an associate member of the ICC—beating a team with full Test status is an upset, right?

Not according to their captain, Porterfield. “I don't see this result as an upset,” he said in his post-match interview, per Sky Sports.

In an audio interview with BBC Sport, he also pushed the need for his team to get more chances at the top table: “We have so few games against top calibre opposition, so it's nice to show what we can do when we do get the opportunity to play a top-eight nation.”

Porterfield has a strong case to suggest as much: Ireland made the Super Eight stage in 2007 ahead of Pakistan and Zimbabwe, and—as already mentioned—defeated England four years ago in a Group B fixture.

Their latest World Cup win has put them firmly in contention for a place in the quarter-finals.

What to make of West Indies

Champions in the first two editions of the World Cup, West Indies cricket seems to be in a sorry state these days. 

The fact few were surprised by the result against Ireland speaks volumes about the current squad, one that does not include former captain Dwayne Bravo and fellow all-rounder Kieron Pollard.

Twitter, though, showed little sympathy to their plight: 

https://twitter.com/Miz9Rahman/status/567282985238401024

https://twitter.com/hcdc93/status/567196817444458499

"They don't look interested. They seem disillusioned and disaffected like they just want to go home" - @Swannyg66 on @westindies #irevwi

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) February 16, 2015

Amazing that a team of professionals with good administration that plays in international competitions where every game counts could beat WI

— Russell Degnan (@idlesummers) February 16, 2015

Defeat hurt Darren Sammy, though it seemed some news from the IPL auction helped lift his spirits a little:

After a very disappointing #Worldcup match it was great to hear I'm going to @RCBTweets thanks to @SunRisers for the opportunity last 2years

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) February 16, 2015

Tuesday at the World Cup

Scotland begin their campaign against New Zealand in Dunedin. If they do beat the co-hosts, then that result can definitely be termed an upset.

The Black Caps, though, were extremely impressive in their opening fixture, crushing Sri Lanka by 98 runs.

Ireland pulled off another stunning World Cup upset as they beat the West Indies by four wickets in Nelson.

Lendl Simmons scored a century to help the men from the Caribbean recover from a perilous position to post 304-7 after being put into bat at the Saxton Oval.

			Runs	Minutes	Balls
Dwayne Smith	c Mooney	b K O'Brien	18	29	24
Gayle	c K O'Brien	b Dockrell	36	79	65
Darren Bravo	run out (McBrine)		0	2	0
Samuels	lbw	b Dockrell	21	48	41
Ramdin	lbw	b Dockrell	1	9	6
Simmons	c Dockrell	b Sorensen	102	121	84
Sammy	c Dockrell	b Mooney	89	86	67
Russell	not out		27	27	13
Holder	not out		0	0	0
Extras		0nb 9w 0b 1lb	10
Bowler		Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Mooney		7	1	59	1
Sorensen		8	0	64	1
McBrine		10	1	26	0
K O'Brien		9	0	71	1
Dockrell		10	0	50	3
Stirling		6	0	33	0

However, the Associate Nation produced a calm chase to reach their target with 25 balls to spare as John Mooney hit the winning runs.

			Runs	Minutes	Balls
Porterfield	c Ramdin	b Gayle	23	58	43
Stirling	c Ramdin	b Samuels	92	115	84
Joyce	c Darren Bravo	b Taylor	84	109	67
N O'Brien	not out		79	87	60
Balbirnie	c Darren Bravo	b Taylor	9	12	9
Wilson	c Gayle	b Taylor	1	10	6
K O'Brien	run out (Dwayne Smith)		0	2	1
Mooney	not out		6	6	5
Extras		0nb 9w 4b 0lb	13		13
Bowler		Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Holder		9	1	44	0
Roach		6	0	52	0
Taylor		8.5	0	71	3
Russell		6	0	33	0
Gayle		8	0	41	1
Sammy		3	0	25	0
Samuels		4	0	25	1
Simmons		1	0	12	0

WI stuttered to 40-2 in the powerplay as Dwayne Smith (18) holed out in the deep off the bowling of Kevin O’Brien, and Darren Bravo was run out without facing a ball after a mix-up with Chris Gayle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X716IEJ050o

Slow left-armer George Dockrell then removed a becalmed Gayle (36 off 65 balls) and trapped Marlon Samuels (21) and Dinesh Ramdin (1) leg before wicket (lbw) as West Indies stuttered to 87-5 in the 24th over.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmgRXOFNbKI

However, Simmons (102) and Darren Sammy (89) put on 154 for the sixth wicket with the latter departing in the 45th over after hitting nine boundaries and four sixes in a 67-ball knock.

Simmons hit one more maximum before going off the penultimate ball after bringing up only his second ODI century.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJMjk1_XmGM

Ireland started confidently in their reply and put on 71 for the opening wicket before Gayle had captain William Porterfield caught behind for 23.

Paul Stirling and Ed Joyce maintained the momentum with a 106-run partnership for the second wicket.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erJ2l8lzoq8

Opener Stirling fell eight runs short of a century when caught behind off Samuels after hitting nine boundaries and three sixes in a swashbuckling 84-ball innings.

Joyce, the Dublin-born batsman who represented England in the 2007 event before returning to Ireland, took his team to the brink of victory with 84 from 67 balls before being caught at deep cover in the 40th over.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quf_E5DwiZ0

Only 32 runs were needed, and although Ireland lost three quick wickets, Niall O'Brien guided his side over the line with an unbeaten 79 from 60 balls. Sky Sports highlighted John Mooney's winning runs:

WATCH: John Mooney hits winning runs for @irelandcricket against @westindies - http://t.co/xVs86Ti5cx #fireitup #CWC15

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 16, 2015

Ireland, who reached the quarter-finals in 2007 after beating Pakistan and defeating England in 2011, will now harbour hopes of reaching the knockout stage again. Sports statistician Mohandas Menon noted Ireland's wins over Pakistan and England:

Ireland had defeated...
Pakistan at Kingston by 3 wkts in WC2007
England at Bangalore by 3 wkts in WC2011#WIvIre#CWC15

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) February 16, 2015

The West Indies will look to bounce back against Pakistan on Saturday with both sides having lost their opening games in Pool B. The top four in each seven-team group reach the quarter-finals.

Of all the captains on show at the 2015 Cricket World Cup arguably none will be under more pressure than the West Indies' Jason Holder.

Expectations aren't especially high in the Caribbean camp, but even allowing for that, the young Barbadian could be in for a testing few weeks.

A surprise choice to take the armband, the 23-year-old will lead a team that has struggled for form in the run up to the competition. The West Indies have won just one of their seven most recent one-day internationals.

Holder enjoyed, or perhaps that should be endured, a tough baptism on the recent tour of South Africa. Trying to counter a rampant AB de Villiers would have challenged the accumulated wisdom of Mike Brearley, Bobby Simpson and Steve Waugh, let alone a greenhorn skipper.

The aftermath of the disastrous tour of India rumbles on, too. Holder will have to manage without the talents of the experienced Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard who were controversially omitted from the West Indies squad.

Despite a scratchy build which saw the West Indies walloped by England then squeak home by just three runs against Scotland, Holder remains optimistic about his side's chances.

He told a press conference via The Voice, “We've been inconsistent and not played to the best of our abilities but we have some world-beaters in our team. It's all about putting it all together.”

The West Indies squad contains some big names and even bigger personalities. Much of the Caribbean challenge will rest on how senior pros such as Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy perform. And how they react to having a much younger and inexperienced man in the driving seat.

Holder has only 26 ODI caps to his name compared Gayle's 263, Samuels' 167 and Sammy's 119. In fact, only two in the West Indies squad, Jonathan Carter and Sheldon Cottrell, have fewer caps than their skipper.

The West Indies captain doesn't foresee any difficulties on that score. Speaking to the media via NDTV, Holder said, "I have built a relationship with some of the senior players. Being captain has not been that difficult thus far. We didn't do too well in South Africa but we didn't have our full-strength team out there. I have a good relationship with all the guys."

For most young players, the pressure of performing with bat and ball is plenty to contend with, let alone leading the side as well.

Holder's one-day record is decent rather than spectacular—37 wickets at an average of 30.21 with an economy rate of 5.55. He does have pace, though, and could find antipodean conditions to his liking. If the West Indies are to spring a surprise and go deep in the competition, the skipper will need to lead from the front.

Clive Lloyd and the West Indian selectors have taken a big gamble by putting their faith in one so green at the highest level. The rewards are potentially very high if the bold Holder experiment does come off.

West Indian leadership could be set fair for years to come. Graeme Smith didn't do too badly for South Africa after all.

But as former New Zealand skipper noted in Wisden India, “If he cannot lift the team through action and deed then the wheels could easily fall off.”

Risks and rewards. The stakes are high for West Indian cricket.

Stats courtesy of ESPNcricinfo and Howstat.