Cricket World Cup: Kevin O'Brien blasts his way to history

Ireland man of the match Kevin O’Brien was on such a high after his record-breaking innings against England that he said anyone was going to struggle to beat it.

O’Brien hit the fastest century in World Cup history — from just 50 balls, it was also the sixth quickest in any one-day international — as Ireland chased down England’s 328 to win their only their third ever game at a World Cup.

“That's a long way the best innings I've played, even as kids when I was playing in the back garden with (brother) Niall,” he said.

“I think anyone is going to struggle to beat that. I'll say that all night, 100 off 50 balls in a World Cup in front of a billion people under lights against England, it doesn't get any better.”

O’Brien believed the impossible was possible about 12 overs out.

“Myself and Cusi (Alex Cusack) took the powerplay at 31 overs and it came off (they scored 62 in five overs) and that set us up,” he said.

Cricket World Cup: Even at Lord’s it was time for a Guinness

At Lord's Cricket Ground, we didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

After watching England's batsmen amass 327 and then seeing Andrew Strauss's experienced bowlers steadily working their way through Ireland's largely green batting, the focus of the workforce at the “Home of Cricket” began to return to their in-trays.

But then, a first win over England appearing nothing more than a forlorn dream, and with his side reduced to 111-5, Kevin O'Brien strode to the crease and decided to have a go.

And boy did he have a go. Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting have all attempted to bat with such grace and brutality in cricket's premier tournament, but none has come close to a century in 50 balls. The name O'Brien is now attached to the record for the fastest ton in World Cup history.