On a warm March evening in Bangalore, Kevin O’Brien played a miraculous innings against England that cemented his place in Irish cricket mythology. His 50-ball century, the fastest in World Cup history, included six massive sixes and helped his team secure a record three-wicket victory as they entered the fray in chase of England’s 327. Soon after, they were 111-5. It was the most successful run chase in World Cup history and gave Ireland’s demands for more opportunities against Test-playing teams a fresh sense of urgency. O’Brien, who is stocky and has pink hair for a cancer charity, rapidly became its face both in Ireland and abroad.
Although his major contract is with Cricket Ireland, O’Brien has become a frequent fixture on the Irish T20 circuit in the intervening years. By the end of 2014, he has participated in T20 tournaments in Bangladesh, the West Indies, and New Zealand in addition to representing four English counties. O’Brien has remained a formidable cricketer for Ireland despite their disappointing lack of opportunities (they played less ODIs against Full Members from 2011 to 2015 than they did from 2007 to 2011). In 2013, he struck 84* from 47 balls to secure a tie against Pakistan. When Ireland’s county professionals were unavailable, he was assigned the duty of leadership and led Leinster Lightning in the new Irish interpro series.
In September 2014, O’Brien scored two consecutive half-centuries while serving as captain of the winning ODI series against Scotland. O’Brien is not only a brash batter but also a clever medium-paced bowler who has perfected his variations while playing in overseas T20 tournaments. He is Niall O’Brien’s younger brother, yet the two have quite different personalities, with Kevin being much more relaxed back. Kevin had a significant role in Ireland’s growth. He scored 241 runs while playing for Ireland at the 2004 Under-19 World Cup. As a sign of things to come, he also scored 35 from 48 balls against England in Ireland’s inaugural ODI.
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Kevin O’Brien Biography:
- Real Name: Kevin Joseph O’Brien
- Profession: Former International Cricketer
- Famous for: His Performances
- Batting Style: Right-Handed Bat
- Bowling Style: Right-arm Medium Fast
- Role: All-rounder
- Best Performance: 100 against England
- Kevin O’Brien Net Worth: $1 million – $6 million dollars
- Kevin O’Brien Salary: Under Review
- Kevin O’Brien Monthly Income: Under Review
- Website Url: Kevin Joseph O’Brien
Kevin O’Brien’s Physical Status:
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 79.38 Kg
- Eye Colour: Blue
- Hair Colour: Brown
Kevin O’Brien Personal Life:
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- Date of Birth: 4 March 1984
- Zodiac Sign/Sun Sign: Pisces
- Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
- Nationality: Ireland
- Hometown: N/A
- School: NA
- College: Marian College, Ballsbridge
Kevin O’Brien Family Statistics:
- Marital Status: Married
- Kevin O’Brien Wife: Ruth-Anne O’Brien
- Kevin O’Brien Children: Daughter and a younger son
- Kevin O’Brien Parents: Father- Brendan O’Brien,
- Siblings: Sister- Ciara, Brother- Niall O’Brien (Cricketer)
- Religion: Christianity
Kevin O’Brien Career Statistics:
- ODI Debut: 13 June 2006 v England
- T20 Debut: 2 August 2008 v Scotland
- Test debut: May 11, 2018, vs Pakistan
- Career Turning Point: In 2011 world cup he smashed 198 runs and picked up four wickets.
Kevin O’Brien Achievements:
- He was included in the Ireland team in January 2019 for their one-off Test match against Afghanistan in India. In the second innings, O’Brien hit his second 50.
- He was included in the Irish team for the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier match in the United Arab Emirates in September 2019. The International Cricket Council (ICC) designated him as Ireland’s squad’s key player prior to the competition.
- He was one of nineteen players who received a central contract with Cricket Ireland in December 2018 for the 2019 campaign. In January 2020, Cricket Ireland awarded central contracts to nineteen players, including him. This was the first year that all contracts were given out on a full-time basis.
- He was included in a team of fourteen in May 2018 for Ireland’s inaugural Test match, which was later that month against Pakistan.
- Kevin O’Brien, a List A expert, has committed to playing for Gloucestershire County Club for a single season in 2016 in all First-class, List A, and T20 matches.
- O’Brien was one of 16 players who were nominated for the Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year Title in 2010, this time alongside two other Irish players. The award went to Netherlands’ Ryan ten Doeschate.
- On March 2, 2011, against England, he struck the quickest century in 50-over World Cup history, doing so off just 50 balls. In Ireland’s first-ever Test match against Pakistan in May 2018, he was one of the eleven cricketers who took the field. He scored the nation’s first Test century and became the first Irish athlete to represent his nation 300 times.
Some Kevin O’Brien lesser-known facts:
- When Kevin O’Brien is mentioned, thoughts quickly turn to his memorable century against England during the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
- Although he scored 113 runs in 63 balls, the fastest century in World Cup history, the all-rounder, one of Ireland’s most gifted cricketers, is much more than just a quick century maker.
- O’Brien was born into a cricketing family; both his father and brother Niall played for Ireland. He first played for Ireland at the senior level in 2006 after competing for his nation at the under-19 level.
- During the 2007 World Cup, he participated in eight games and scored 49 goals against New Zealand and 48 against Bangladesh.
- Kevin O’Brien then delivered his well-known effort in the 2011 competition, finishing with 4-71 against the West Indies.
- Kevin O’Brien plays frequently in Twenty20 tournaments.
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