AFP, Kingston :
Ireland’s flirtation with cricketing history came to a disappointing end in Kingston’s Sabina Park on Friday when they lost their second Twenty20 international with the West Indies.
Victory, following a famous six-wicket win on the same ground earlier in thye week, would have given the Irish a first series win over a Test-playing nation.
But the West Indies drew on all their experience to win by 11 runs, hitting 96 for nine off their 20 overs after Ireland had won the toss and put them into bat, and then restricting the Irish to 85 for eight in theirs.
Gary WIlson led Ireland’s run chase with a brave 35 from 39 balls after they had slumpoed to 25 for four and he moved them on to 72 for seven before being caught and bowled by Dwayne Bravo.
So, having gone so close, the Irish, coached by former West Indies batsman Phil Simmons, had to settle for a draw in the two- match series.
It was at the Kingston venue where Ireland dramatically defeated Pakistan in a St Patrick’s Day 50-over World Cup match back in 2007.
West Indies and Ireland meet again in a one-off one-day international at the same ground on Sunday, the last match of the Irish tour.
Next month sees the West Indies defend their global title at the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh-a tournament where Ireland’s first match is a St Patrick’s Day clash against Zimbabwe on March 17.
