Cricket world cup: Paul Stirling hits century as Irish end on high

Paul Stirling's scintillating century inspired Ireland to a morale-boosting end to their World Cup campaign with a six-wicket win against Holland in Kolkata yesterday. Chasing an imposing 307 in the Group B dead-rubber tie, Stirling's 101 off just 72 balls - his second ODI hundred - and captain William Porterfield's 68 off 93 balls led the way in a 177-run opening stand.

Holland had pegged them back with three quick wickets but the initial momentum was enough for Niall O'Brien to notch a patient 57 not out and help seal the win with 14 balls left.

Ireland may have missed out on qualification to the knock-out stages but this victory - their second of the tournament - sees them avoid the ignominy of propping up the table. Porterfield said: "We're happy with the fact that, where we came from and with all the preparation that we'd done, we've executed a lot of it. If you look at certain games, we could have got at least two more wins, which could have given us the points needed to qualify, but that's all in hindsight. We've played some good consistent cricket throughout this tournament."