'A great day for Irish cricket'

Brian Lara, West Indies' captain, paid tribute to the victorious Ireland team, who pulled off a shock six-wicket win at Belfast, and repeated their famous victory in 1969.

"We always respected them, but they deserve full credit because they won the game the hard way," said Lara. "But we won't be dwelling on this and we're looking forward to a good tour."

For Ireland, on the other hand, this victory further increased their claims for playing international cricket after recent victories against Zimbabwe and Surrey. Adrian Birrell, their coach, said: "I knew we could beat them and I'm delighted we've proved to a wider audience what Irish cricket is capable of achieving."

"Forget 1969, this is the game we will all be talking about now" added Peter Thompson, head of Ireland's Cricket Union. "It's a great day for Irish cricket and I'm sure there will be many more to come."

Ireland may soon get their chance to shine on the big stage if they qualify for the 2007 World Cup in next year's ICC Trophy, which they are hosting. For the West Indians, however, they will play warm-up games against Sussex, Kent and Middlesex before their first game of the NatWest Series, against New Zealand at Edgbaston on June 26.