Netherlands completed one of the most remarkable run-chases in World Twenty20 history to stun Ireland and book a place in the Super 10 stage.
Zimbabwe’s comfortable victory over United Arab Emirates earlier in the day meant the Dutch needed to pass Ireland’s score within 14.2 overs to top Group B on net run-rate.
Just winning against an Ireland side with a 100 per cent record from their first two games looked a tall order as Will Porterfield’s team posted 189 for four.
Avoiding defeat would have seen Ireland progress as group winners, but incredible innings from Stephan Myburgh and Tom Cooper saw Netherlands reach 193 for four in just 13.5 overs.
Myburgh caused carnage at the top of the order as he bludgeoned 63 from only 23 deliveries - seven of which he hit for six.
And Ed Joyce paid a heavy price for dropping Cooper on one, as the Melbourne Renegades star thrashed six maximums in a 15-ball 45.
Wesley Baresi, whose 22-delivery 40 was relatively sedate in comparison, then smashed the biggest six of the 30 hit in the match to win it and spark wild celebrations among his team-mates.
Earlier, Ireland had posted what looked a difficult total at the small Sylhet stadium, with Porterfield’s 47 from the top of the order preceding some big hitting from Andrew Poynter, who added 57 off 38 balls, and Kevin O’Brien, who took 42 from just 16 deliveries.
But only O’Brien, who claimed 2-29 from three overs, was able to retain any control with the ball as some uncharacteristically slack fielding denied Ireland the chance to line up alongside England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka in Group One of the Super 10.
