His name is written in Irish cricket legend. It is also written in the World Cup record book. When he came out to bat against England in Bangalore in the 2011 World Cup, the scoreboard read 106 for 4. In no time it became 111 for 5 wickets. The target of 328 to win then seemed light years away. Thanks to Kevin O'Brien, Ireland reached the target with 5 balls to spare with 3 wickets in hand.
Kevin O'Brien scored a 50-ball century, which still holds the record for the fastest century in a World Cup. His innings of 113 off 63 balls had 13 fours and 6 sixes, several of which were huge. Thanks to this devastating innings, Ireland set the record for the highest number of runs chased in the World Cup.
Kevin O'Brien is the hero of Irish fairy tales
Irish fairy tale hero Kevin O'Brienfile film
These are old things. Reason to say it again? There is a reason. This all-rounder announced his retirement from international cricket. He retired from ODIs last year. But wanted to continue playing T20. But after the T20 World Cup last October, Kevin O'Brien said goodbye to international cricket with regret as he did not get a chance in the team.
He announced the departure on Twitter. In which he wrote, 'After playing 389 matches for the country in 16 years, today I am announcing my retirement from international cricket. I wanted to play T20 World Cup in Australia and leave. However, I did not get a place in the Irish squad after the World Cup last year. I think selectors and management are thinking something different.
Kevin's innings against England in Bangalore in 2011 World Cup is the fastest century in the World Cup
Kevin's innings against England at Bengaluru in 2011 World Cup is the fastest century in the World Cup.
Kevin O'Brien made his debut in the national team jersey in 2006. He played 153 ODIs, 110 T-20s and 3 Tests in his 16-year international career. Made numerous records for Ireland. The most famous of these has already been mentioned. Record for fastest century in ODI World Cup. A true all-rounder with the bat, he is Ireland's highest wicket-taker in ODIs with the ball. Took 114 wickets. There are two centuries in ODIs. One in T20. A batting average of 51.60 in a Test career of just 3 matches. After the first test which was 79.00. Scores of 40 and 118 in the two innings of Ireland's debut Test against Pakistan in Dublin in May 2018. Before this, the record of making a century in the debut Test of his country was held by Australia's Charles Bannerman, Zimbabwe's Dave Hutton and Bangladesh's Aminul Islam.
O'Brien has many memories on and off the field during this long career. "I enjoyed every minute of playing for Ireland," he recalled in his farewell. I have made many friends on the field and have many happy memories while playing for the national team.
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