West Indies today inched closer to the quarter finals of the Cricket World Cup 2011 by thwarting the attempts of the cricket minnows Ireland to register their second victory in the present edition of the Cup.

At the Mohali stadium in Chandigarh, the seasoned West Indies won the Group B encounter with Ireland by 44 runs overcoming a spirited challenge by the cricket babies. Replying to a moderate score of 275 by the West Indies in the day match, Ireland could manage a total of only 231 for the loss of all wickets in 49 overs.

Ireland put up a brave fight as Ed Joyce and Gary Wilson scored 84 and 61 respectively after electing to field first. 

Wilson was unlucky to have been dismissed under controversial circumstances and the UDRS debate will go on for some months ahead. 

Earlier, West Indies cruised sharply to a grand total of 275 runs as opener Devon Smith hit his maiden one day century and Kieron Pollard hammered out 94 runs off just 55 balls after being asked to bat first.

Kevin O'Brien, who made World Cup’s fastest hundred against England, showed his skills as a bower too when he grabbed a career-best 4-71.

While this victory has ensured a berth for West Indies in the quarter finals, Ireland has to win the last two matches it has to play in the coming days.