WI face never-say-die Ireland

NEW DELHI, Mar 9 (AFP): A resurgent West Indies face Ireland in Mohali Friday knowing a victory could take them to the brink of the World Cup quarter-finals but wary of the challenge posed by the minnows. The Caribbean side were well beaten by South Africa in their tournament opener but responded by thumping the Netherlands and demolishing co-hosts Bangladesh in Dhaka, bowling them out for just 58. West Indies captain Darren Sammy said he was not getting carried away despite his side's awesome display against Bangladesh, in which fast bowler Kemar Roach took 3-19 to add to his 6-27 against the Netherlands. Other bright spots in the tournament have been the bowling by giant spinner Sulieman Benn and the potential shown by batsman Darren Bravo. "We are taking it step by step," Sammy said. The West Indies have four points from three matches in Group B, the same as South Africa but trailing India and England, with the top four sides from each group qualifying. Sammy said the West Indies, who won the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 and also ruled Test cricket for two decades, were on the right track to regaining old glories. "We are aware of the history and legacy the West Indies have," the captain said. "We have taken innovative steps to move forward. As a leader I want my team to improve. It is a process."