O'Brien ready for India: Ireland cricket hero targets another win

After being inundated by messages of congratulation and called by the President of Ireland, Kevin O'Brien has warned India he is ready to get back to hitting sixes.

O'Brien became one of the stars of the World Cup by scoring the fastest hundred in the tournament's history and leading his side to a historic win over England in Bangalore.

O'Brien's 63-ball 113 contained 13 fours and six maximums as he flayed England's big-name attack to all parts in succesful pursuit of a massive winning target of 328.

He has understandably been besieged by well-wishers, including Irish premier Mary McAleese, in the aftermath but is now preparing to attempt more fireworks against the World Cup favourites and co-hosts today.

"There's been a fair bit of interest on Facebook, messages of support and well over 100 texts," said O'Brien. "It's very pleasing to have that backing and great to hear the Irish cricketing public are going mad back home.

"The President rang our tour manager yesterday and I spoke to her for a couple of minutes. It's always nice to a get a call from the president of your country but I'm still focused on this tournament, starting with India.

"It's a difficult game but one I'm really looking forward to. It's not every day you play in front of 50,000 screaming fans and it's no pressure at all. It's always great to see supporters and it won't effect the way I play. I'll be looking to get myself in on what is a pretty flat wicket and if the ball is there to hit then I'm going to back myself to hit it.

"Phil Simmons is quite a relaxed coach, he just tells me to get in and once I'm in to really attack. It doesn't matter if I take 30 balls to score five or 10 runs because if I face another 70 I know I can make a hundred."

One player who adopts an even more gung-ho approach is India opener Virender Sehwag and O'Brien admits he has been a big influence on him. "India's batting line-up is fantastic. If it's not the best in the World Cup then I don't what is. I love watching Sehwag bat, it's his carefree approach. Even if it's first ball of a Test match, if it's there to hit he'll hit it."

Sri Lanka and Australia had to settle for a point each in Colombo yesterday after heavy rain forced the abandonment of their Group A match. Kumar Sangakkara was on 73, sharing a stand of 71 with Thilan Samaraweera (34) in a Sri Lanka total of 146-3.

Australia had dismissed both openers and tightened their grip when Mahela Jayawardene was run out for 23. But a downpour began in the 33rd over and play was stopped.

GROUP A

P W L T NR RR Pts

Pakistan 3 3 0 0 0 1.75 6

Sri Lanka 4 2 1 0 1 2.66 5

Australia 3 2 0 0 1 1.81 5

New Zealand 3 2 1 0 0 1.58 4

Zimbabwe 3 1 2 0 0 0.08 2

Canada 3 0 3 0 0 -2.87 0

Kenya 3 0 3 0 0 -4.82 0

GROUP B

P W L T 0 RR Pts

South Africa 2 2 0 0 0 2.76 4

West Indies 3 2 1 0 0 2.67 4

India 2 1 0 1 0 0.87 3

England 3 1 1 1 0 0.04 3

Ireland 2 1 1 0 0 -0.21 2

Bangladesh 3 1 2 0 0 -1.76 2

Holland 3 0 3 0 0 -3.06 0

England's remaining fixtures

Today v South Africa (4am GMT)

11 March v Bangladesh (8.30am)

17 March v West Indies (9am)

Ireland's remaining fixtures

Today v India (9am GMT)

11 March v West Indies (4am)

15 March v South Africa (9am)