Irish upwardly mobile after win

Victory for the Irish over a second Test opponent - they famously beat Pakistan in the group stage to qualify for the Super Eight - added a new chapter to their World Cup fairytale.

Two wins over major teams qualifies associate countries for full limited-overs status so Ireland, who eyed this match as their big chance to avoid the second-round wooden spoon, have become the 12th name on an International Cricket Council ranking list.

The size of their achievement was put into perspective by the fact Bangladesh ousted India from the competition, thrashed South Africa last weekend and made England sweat on a four-wicket win here on Wednesday.

Success was founded on Gloucestershire hopeful William Porterfield's industrious 85 and clean late hitting from Kevin O'Brien (48) and Trent Johnston (30).

Porterfield, who heads to Bristol for a trial with the English county after this tournament, dominated an opening stand of 92 with Jeremy Bray and set the platform for a late assault which propelled Ireland to 243 for seven.

Ireland captain Johnston's decision to take on the new ball in early morning conditions rather than have to force the pace against Bangladesh's trio of spinners in a run chase paid off, as early consolidation preceded 98 runs from the final dozen overs.

Their usual enthusiastic fielding, paired with regular wickets, meant it was comfortably enough for further Caribbean celebration.

Fittingly it began when Johnston bowled opposite number Habibul Bashar to spark jubilation in front of one of the biggest crowds of the tournament.

When the schedule was planned out, Sunday contest was supposed to be between India and Pakistan, so with thousands of tickets bought on-line in the sub-continent but not taken up, organisers allowed free entry to bolster the 500-strong Blarney Army.