Cricket World Cup: Ireland reaches 259 against India

Ireland's Andrew Balbirnie plays a shot as India's wicketkeeper MS Dhoni watches during their Cricket World Cup Pool B match in Hamilton. Photo / AP

Memories of convivial evenings in Dublin's Temple Bar district sprang to mind as strains of Van Morrison's and U2 blared from the Seddon Park speakers but, for the majority of the first innings, Ireland's batsmen made the music with a series of harmonious partnerships in their World Cup pool match against India.

At 206 for three in the 39th over Ireland had imposed themselves; India recoiled under a rare bout of tournament pressure. It didn't last. Ireland were dismissed for 259 after 49 overs. Mohammed Shami's three for 41 from nine overs and Ravi Ashwin's two for 38 from 10 provided the bowling highlights.

After deciding to bat, captain William Porterfield and opening partner Paul Stirling established with 89 runs in 15 overs. Stirling exited for 42 off 41 balls and, after Ed Joyce misjudged a cut shot from the off spin of Suresh Raina 14 balls later, Niall O'Brien continued the show.

Porterfield (65 off 93 balls) and O'Brien (75 off 75) put on 56 for the third wicket and O'Brien and Andrew Balbirnie (24 off 24) made 51 for the fourth. Balbirnie's top edge to short fine leg from Ashwin set a collapse in motion as the defending World Cup champions revived, taking five wickets for 21 in the space of 22 balls to shave any thoughts of a bushy, wagging tail. John Mooney (12), George Dockrell (six) and Alex Cusack (11) added 32 for the final two wickets.

However, Ireland provided a resilient presence which reinforced the argument they must be in contention to become the 11th country to be granted test status. All but three of their starting XI have played for English counties; all but four have played 50 or more ODIs; and all but five have played 30 or more first-class matches.

India flexed their bowling and fielding muscle as the innings endured. Late wickets from Ravi Jadeja, Ashwin and Shami - and the run out of Stuart Thompson from Virat Kohli - proved pivotal as captain MS Dhoni reasserted control.

India have won each of their four matches at the tournament and are guaranteed a quarter-final spot.

They kept an unchanged side from that which beat the West Indies by four wickets with 65 balls to spare.

Ireland made one change after the five-run victory over Zimbabwe. Pace bowler Thompson came in for off-spinner Andrew McBrine. They have won three matches and lost two. They are currently fourth in the pool; a win would guarantee them a quarter-final place.

India have beaten Ireland in both their previous ODI meetings. If India triumph Dhoni will register his 98th win as an ODI skipper, fourth-equal on the all-time list with Stephen Fleming but behind Hansie Cronje (99), Allan Border (107) and Ricky Ponting (165).