Century from O'Brien as Ireland defeat Hong Kong

Kevin O'Brien became Ireland's first T20 international centurion as Hong Kong were beaten by 66 runs in the latest match of the Pentangular Series in Oman. O'Brien - who also holds the record for scoring his country's first Test century, as well as being the holder of the fastest World Cup hundred - was at his bludgeoning, destructive, best as he hit 12 fours and 7 sixes on his way to 124 as Ireland piled up 208 for 5.

The Dubliner unleashed his full repertoire of trademark booming drives and powerful pulls as the Hong Kong attack was put to the sword. He shared an opening stand of 80 in just 50 balls with Paul Stirling (36) to lay the perfect platform.

Andy Balbirnie and Gareth Delany kept the tempo going, while the arrival of Mark Adair to the middle was the signal for O'Brien to go into overdrive. He took 24 off a Kinchit Shah over, and reached his century with a superb lofted six over extra cover as he dominated a 50-run stand in just 21 deliveries with Adair.

Ireland's total of 208 for 5 was their third highest and was always going to be out of reach of a weakened Hong Kong side, now coached by former Irish legend Trent Johnston. Boyd Rankin, Gareth Delany and Stuart Thompson claimed two wickets apiece as the Asian side were restricted to 142 for 9.

Haroon Arshad top scored with 45 from 27 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes), while Ehsan Khan also cleared the ropes twice in an unbeaten 28.