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Ireland chase 304 as they shock West Indies in Nelson

John Mooney hits the winning runs as Ireland stun West Indies in their World Cup Pool B meeting.

Ireland have pulled off a major World Cup shock with a four-wicket victory over West Indies in their Pool B match in Nelson.

West Indies batted first and struggled early on as three wickets from George Dockrell (3-50) helped to restrict them to 87-5.

Ireland's batsman Paul Stirling plays a shot during the Pool B 2015 Cricket World Cup match between Ireland and the West Indies at Saxton Park Oval in Nelson on February 16, 2015© Getty Images

However, a massive partnership between Lendl Simmons (102) and Darren Sammy (89) came to their rescue as they accelerated in the final 10 overs to post a daunting 304-7.

In reply, Ireland's Paul Stirling (92) and Ed Joyce (84) kept up a high run-rate during their partnership of 106, before Niall O'Brien (79*) hit a flurry of boundaries after Stirling got out.

Ireland lost momentum in the closing overs as Jerome Taylor claimed three wickets (3-71) to set up a nervy finish.

However, O'Brien avoided a total collapse as he hit a couple of key boundaries, before John Mooney hit the winning runs.

This is the third time Ireland have successfully chased down 300 runs in a World Cup, and they next face UAE in Brisbane.

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Charlie Bennett
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Lendl Simmons of the West Indies bats during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between the West Indies and Ireland at Saxton Field on February 16, 2015
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