DUBLINER KEVIN O’BRIEN blazed the fastest century in the history of the Cricket World Cup earlier as he propelled Ireland to an unlikely victory over England in Bangalore.
The all-rounder smashed 113 off 63 balls as Ireland recovered from 111-5 to overhaul their target of 328 with five balls to spare and three wickets in hand. And O’Brien admitted afterwards it may take him a while to appreciate what happened.
“It’s pretty amazing. It still hasn’t really sunk in. When it does tomorrow, I’m sure it’ll put a big smile on my face,” he told RTÉ’s Drivetime.
It means a huge amount to us here, and hopefully to millions at home. To be honest, I took a chance.
“We could have pottered around and got 250 but I wanted to go down with a fight. We took a few chances, England dropped a few chances and we made them pay.
“I didn’t know that at the time. I had slight feeling I might be up there, but I didn’t know I’d be the quickest. The boys only told me when I came off,” he added.
And The Railway Union man admitted that the name-making ton was the best of his life. Speaking to Sky Sports in the wake of England’s humiliation, he added: “It’s obviously the best innings I’ll ever play and obviously a great day for the Irish cricketing public.”
“Cusey [Alex Cusack] stayed with me. It was my fault he got run out, but I just tried to put it out of my mind as quick as I can. I knew I had to hang on in there till the end of the match if I could.
I just kept chancing my arm and things came off for me. It’s the best innings of my life. It was our day”
“I just decided to be as positive as I could. The wicket was flat and the ground was small. We attacked and it came off. It truly was a team effort.”
As the crowds slowly filtered out of the stadium, commentators reflected that bars would be lenient despite strict licensing laws. The centurion was not so optimistic:
“I don’t think there’ll be any legendary Irish celebrations. The bars close at 11, so we’ll have to settle for a few quiet beers in our room,” he added. That remains to be seen.
'It hasn't sunk in yet' - Ton-up Kevin O'Brien reflects on famous century
DUBLINER KEVIN O’BRIEN blazed the fastest century in the history of the Cricket World Cup earlier as he propelled Ireland to an unlikely victory over England in Bangalore.
The all-rounder smashed 113 off 63 balls as Ireland recovered from 111-5 to overhaul their target of 328 with five balls to spare and three wickets in hand. And O’Brien admitted afterwards it may take him a while to appreciate what happened.
“It’s pretty amazing. It still hasn’t really sunk in. When it does tomorrow, I’m sure it’ll put a big smile on my face,” he told RTÉ’s Drivetime.
“We could have pottered around and got 250 but I wanted to go down with a fight. We took a few chances, England dropped a few chances and we made them pay.
“I didn’t know that at the time. I had slight feeling I might be up there, but I didn’t know I’d be the quickest. The boys only told me when I came off,” he added.
And The Railway Union man admitted that the name-making ton was the best of his life. Speaking to Sky Sports in the wake of England’s humiliation, he added: “It’s obviously the best innings I’ll ever play and obviously a great day for the Irish cricketing public.”
“Cusey [Alex Cusack] stayed with me. It was my fault he got run out, but I just tried to put it out of my mind as quick as I can. I knew I had to hang on in there till the end of the match if I could.
“I just decided to be as positive as I could. The wicket was flat and the ground was small. We attacked and it came off. It truly was a team effort.”
As the crowds slowly filtered out of the stadium, commentators reflected that bars would be lenient despite strict licensing laws. The centurion was not so optimistic:
“I don’t think there’ll be any legendary Irish celebrations. The bars close at 11, so we’ll have to settle for a few quiet beers in our room,” he added. That remains to be seen.
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