World Cup: West Indies vs Ireland

West Indies defeated a relentless Irish side by 44 runs to put them in a firm position to reach the quarterfinals. (AFP Photo)

The Irish side put up a fighting display as they kept striving till the last ball but it wasn't enough as the West Indies picked up a vital win. (AFP Photo)

Wickets at regular intervals did not help the Irish cause as they left an almost impossible ask for the tailenders. (AFP Photo)

Earlier, Ed Joyce and Gary Wilson scored well made fifties to give the West Indies a big scare. (AFP Photo)

Sulieman Benn was once again employed early by captain Darren Sammy to shock the opposition. The trick paid off as he picked up Paul Stirling and Niall O'Brien(AFP Photo)

Earlier, late wickets ensured that Windies were dismissed for a total of 275, a score which would have evoked mixed feelings in the Irish camp. (AFP Photo)

Kieron Pollard hammered the Irish bowlers to all parts of the field, completing his fifty off just 35 balls. He looked certain for the second fastest hundred in World Cup history when he was at 94 runs having faced just 54 balls. But it was not to be as he was caught at long off, trying to smash one out of the park.

Ireland were relieved to get rid of Pollard, even more so because there was no one else to carry on the surge. (AFP Photo)

Devon Smith, carried on the good work as the West Indies' run rate improved. (AFP Photo)

Devon Smith scored a scintillating hundred but soon got out to Kevin O'Brien. (AFP Photo)

West Indies made a slow start with their run rate under 3 runs an over for the first 10 overs despite having all 10 wickets in tact. Chanderpaul got out after an 89-run partnership and two other wickets brought Kieron Pollard to the crease. (AFP Photo)