Kevin O’Brien, Ireland’s first Test centurion, rates Bangalore knock as No.1 in his career

Kevin O’Brien entered into the history books by scoring Ireland’s first Test century and help the home team rally against Pakistan on day four in Malahide. Although many would consider the Test ton as the pinnacle, O’Brien feels differently.

The dashing right-hander said a Test ton was a ‘great honour’ but it was his 50-ball-hundred in the World Cup in 2011, one that had enabled Ireland to successfully chase down England’s total of 327 in Bangalore on March 2, that ranks as No 1 for him.

“For me, Bangalore is definitely No.1, for the sheer moment of where it was and who it was against, in the World Cup. If I I can continue [tomorrow] for another hour and a half, to 170-odd, this could top it,” O’Brien said.

Ireland, following on, began Day 4 on 116/0. But after falling to 127-5, they were staring at a heavy defeat. However, O’Brien and Stuart Thompson put up a 114-run seventh-wicket partnership as Ireland built a lead of 139 ahead of the final day.

O’Brien’s century against Pakistan also made him only the fifth batsman to do so in his country’s maiden Test match.

“It was a very proud and emotional moment, to get there is a great honour, and hopefully we’ve put ourselves in a good position to go on and win it. There’s no reason why we can’t. We’ve just got to start off well tomorrow,” he added. “It was just relief, and emotion. In my first Test as well, it’s a great honour to join a small list of players who have done it,” he said.