Cusack heroics in vain as sticky wicket denies Ireland victory

Alex Cusack took 4-11 to give Ireland more than a glimpse of a series win over the world T20 champions in Jamaica last night before the West Indies bowled even more cannily on the slowest of pitches to steal victory by 11 runs.

Clontarf all-rounder Cusack struck with his first ball, completed a wicket maiden, found success again in his second over and came back at the end to claim two more to finish with the best figures by an Ireland player against a major side.

Magnificently supported by Tim Murtagh, Kevin O'Brien and George Dockrell, he strangled the life out of the West Indies innings and restricted the most dangerous batting line-up in international T20s to only six boundaries in their 96-9.

Ireland soon discovered that knocking off the runs to secure another famous victory at Sabina Park was not going to be easy, though, as Paul Stirling missed a straight ball and William Porterfield was bowled by a delivery that barely bounced.

Ed Joyce, winning his 100th cap, fell to a sharp catch at slip, Andrew Poynter was well held at extra cover and the run rate had nudged above one run per ball when big-hitting Kevin O'Brien was bowled for three.

The last hope for the visitors disappeared when Gary Wilson – the only batsman on either side to reach 20 – was caught and bowled by Dwayne Bravo for a gutsy 35 and Ireland's bid for glory petered out on 85-8.

After sharing the spoils of the two-match series, both teams will hope for a surface with a bit more life tomorrow when they contest a 50-overs one-day international.