Birthday Special: Kevin O’Brien – The Irish star with a penchant for big shots

11th May 2018 – Pakistan scored 310 in their first innings and bowled out Ireland for just 130 in the first essay. The Irish side was asked to follow on, and it looked as if Ireland would surrender meekly in their very first Test. And, the script plays out precisely that way. Ireland lost half their side with just 127 on the board in the second innings. But then, was there a twist in the tale?

The saving act

Of course, there was! And, that is why cricket is so unpredictable. In the face of adversity, Kevin O’Brien stood up for his side and scored a defiant 118 in the second innings. He put on a 7th wicket partnership of 114 runs alongside Stuart Thompson to help Ireland out of troubled waters. Not only did Ireland avoid an innings defeat, but also scored a respectable 339 runs in their second innings, setting Pakistan a target of 160.

– Owns the record of smashing the fastest century in the ODI World Cup.
– Struck Ireland’s 1st century in Test cricket.
– The only Irish bowler to take 100 ODI wickets.

Happy birthday, @KevinOBrien113! pic.twitter.com/X67q0nIGSr

— 100MB (@100MasterBlastr) March 4, 2021

In fact, Pakistan were in trouble during their run chase, being reduced to 14/3 and Ireland sensed victory. But, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam scored half-centuries as Pakistan thumped the Irish side by 5 wickets. Even though Ireland lost the match, O’Brien had instilled that fighting spirit in the team.

Kevin O’Brien will qualify as one of the greatest batsmen to have ever played for Ireland. He has featured in 152 ODI matches for his country and scored 3619 runs at an average of 29.66. He has also featured in 96 T20Is and scored 1672 runs at a strike rate of 135.93. And surely, in the story of Irish cricket, O’Brien will occupy an important chapter.

The stunning century against England

And of course, the 113 that O’Brien scored in the 2011 World Cup against England will go down as one of the greatest knocks in the history of World Cup cricket. England won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. The likes of Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell vindicated that decision by slamming half-centuries as England piled up a total of 327 on the board.

In reply, Ireland were reduced to 111/5. Things looked bleak for the side on the grandest stage of the game. And once again, O’Brien stepped up. Not only did he score 113, but he also did it at a strike rate of 179.37. England were hit by the ‘Kevin storm’ as Ireland pulled off one of the greatest heists in World Cup cricket, winning the match by 3 wickets and with 5 balls to spare.

Today, O’Brien turns a year older and the Irish star surely isn’t done yet. We wish him a very happy birthday!