Thompson shines in Ireland defeat

The all-rounder and Gary Wilson came together to see Ireland up to a competitive total with Thompson striking the ball particularly well for 33 off just 34 balls.

His partnership with Wilson, whose knock of 62 from 96 balls kept Ireland’s innings together, was crucial.

Despite a late flutter of wickets in the last three overs as Ireland pressed for quick runs, Phil Simmons’ side reached the 200 mark.

The last four wickets fell for nine runs in just 14 balls to leave Ireland All Out for 202 in 49.2 overs.

The West Indies openers, Kieran Powell and Dwayne Smith then set about the Irish attack quickly, with Smith smashing the first two balls of the innings for four.

They put on a hundred partnership inside 17 overs to put the hosts on track for what looked like an easy win, but the introduction of Thompson changed the game as his double strike coupled with a George Dockrell run-out gave Ireland three wickets for just eight runs to leave the hosts 108 for 3.

Even though George Dockrell trapped Dinesh Ramdin LBW, the wise head of Marlon Samuels saw West Indies home with a cool innings of 26 not out and Ireland were yet again rueing what might have been in a match against a Test Nation.

Next up for Ireland is the 2014 ICC World Twenty 20 which starts next month in Bangladesh.

Ireland’s initial group features Zimbabwe, the Netherlands and the UAE; the tournament starts for Ireland on St Patrick’s Day, March 17 against Zimbabwe, in Sylhet.

After the game Thompson was happy with performance but was gutted about the defeat.