MOHALI, India (AP) — Kieron Pollard inspired West Indies with a career-best 94 and a brilliant catch to beat Ireland by 44 runs at the World Cup on today.

Pollard battered Ireland’s bowlers for eight fours and five sixes in a 55-ball assault and then got rid of Irish dangerman Kevin O’Brien with his diving take at long-on to help West Indies to a third successive win in Group B.

West Indies’ batsman Kieron Pollard watches the ball as his hand comes off the bat during a Cricket World Cup match between West Indies and Ireland in Mohali, India, Friday, March 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das)

It puts West Indies on the brink of a quarterfinal place.

Pollard’s power-hitting had sent his team to 275 all out in 50 overs, alongside 107 from opener Devon Smith. Ireland was all out for 231 in its chase, despite half-centuries by Ed Joyce (84) and Gary Wilson (61).

Joyce and Wilson had shared a 91-run stand, but they were dismissed in quick succession and Ireland faded away.