Nottinghamshire all-rounder Kevin O’Brien was the hero for Ireland as the ICC World Twenty20 threw up its second major upset.

The big-hitting right-hander’s unbeaten 39 from just 17 balls ensured the Associate Nation knocked out Bangladesh and advance to the Super 8 stage of the competition with a six-wicket victory.

In front of more than 12,000 fans at Trent Bridge, Ireland limited the Tigers to 137-8 in their 20 overs, Trent Johnson picking up 3-20.

Bangladesh’s phalanx of spinners had the Irish behind the run-rate but Kevin’s older brother Niall thumped 40 off 25 balls, including three sixes in one over before the runs dried up again.

With five overs remaining, 42 were needed, but Kevin took up the challenge and smashed two sixes and four fours, finishing the match in style with a drive to the mid-off boundary.

Man of the match Niall O’Brien said afterwards: “It was a brilliant team performance from all the lads. We’ve been watching the other matches and itching to get out there and we’ve put up a great performance.

“I thought we bowled really, really well. We would have taken 137 any day. Trent Johnston bowled a great spell for us up front. We thought the ball would swing around and the conditions definitely favoured us.”