Kevin O’Brien achieved the milestone in 186 deliveries. (Source: Reuters)
Kevin O’Brien scripted history after slamming an unbeaten 118 to become Ireland’s maiden Test centurion on Monday. O’Brien achieved the milestone in 186 deliveries (including 10 boundaries) in only his second Test innings. His valuable contribution has given Ireland a glimmer of hope to secure a positive result in the only Test match against Pakistan in Dublin. Incidentally, O’Brien also holds the record of scoring the fastest World Cup hundred.
It was truly a magical day at Malahide as O’ Brien’s hundred guided Ireland into day five with a lead of 139 runs and three wickets in hand. This was after they were asked to follow-on by the opposition. If Ireland do manage to win the Test then they will be the third side – after England and India to win a Test match having been asked to follow-on.
Ireland officially have a Test Match honours board and Kevin O’Brien becomes the first name to grace it here at Malahide Cricket Club pic.twitter.com/Ry0lvoZ0cy
— Irish Cricketers (@IrishCricketers) 14 May 2018
Reflecting on his extraordinary knock the 34-year-old said, “It is pretty special. Test debut, the position we were in, it’s even more special. Could see in the last half hour – I was struggling a little bit. TK (Kane) batted really well at the other end. He kept out the tough balls and looked really comfortable. We need to start again tomorrow and try to build the lead as much as we can. First hundred in 7 years, well overdue.”
“The objective was to bat all day. It was still a pretty good wicket, got a little bit lower in the last half-hour. It’s very pleasing and it’s a proud moment for me,” he added.