Ireland secured their place in the World Cricket League Division One final in the Netherlands with a 5 wicket win over Canada in the fourth round of matches.
In their first outing at Amstelveen this tournament, Ireland lost the toss and were asked to bowl on what is considered one of the best tracks in the country.
Canada struggled to get the Irish bowlers away, particularly the spin duo of George Dockrell (2-22 off 10) and Andrew White (2-28 off 10). Kumar was top scorer for the Canadians with a watchful 38 out of their total of 154-9, while Barnett was next highest scorer with 26.
Openers Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie got the Irish off to a flying start by putting on 50 for the first wicket before Balbirnie went for 17. Andrew Poynter didin’t last long and he went for his second consecutive duck.
Rory McCann added six off 36 deliveries before he too was back in the pavilion, with White hot on his heels, out first ball.
But the Irish camp didn’t panic and Kevin O’Brien (43*) and the ever improving John Mooney (44*) saw them home in 40th over to send Ireland through to the final.
Ireland will take on either Scotland of Afghanistan in the final; the pair will meet in the final round of matches on Friday.
Worrying news from the Irish camp is that all-rounder Alex Cusack has suffered a recurrence of his shin splints problem. He is unlikely to feature in Ireland’s final league match against the Netherlands on Friday, although it is hoped he will be fit for the final on Saturday.
© 2010 Munster Cricket Blog
July 8th, 2010 → 10:33 am @ admin
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