Cricket: Ireland gained a morale boosting six-wicket win over Afghanistan to register their first win of their warm up programme ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa.
Regan West was the player on form after he was introduced as a last minute replacement for Kyle McCallan, who failed a late fitness test on a chest injury sustained during practice last week. The left arm spinner’s figures were 4 for 11 from 9 overs.
The Afghans started well to reach 69 for 2, before West and Peter Connell combined to reduce them to just 86 all out in 33.4 overs. Afghanistan's batting frailties re-emerged to see them lose their last eight wickets for just 17 runs.
Peter Connell (3-24), Trent Johnston (2-21), and Alex Cusack (1-12) were the other wicket takers as Ireland finally started to show the sort of form which has made them one of the tournament favourites.
In reply Ireland lost skipper William Porterfield for just seven runs before Gary Wilson (10) departed soon after to leave Ireland 25 for 2.
Eoin Morgan (13) and Andrew White (17) were next to go but, with victory in sight, Kevin O’Brien struck his first delivery to the boundary as Ireland passed their total in just 22.2 overs.
Clontarf all-rounder Andrew Poynter hit an unbeaten 38 to further his claim for a place in the starting XI when the qualifiers get underway.
There continues to be serious doubt about the fitness of both Andre Botha and Kyle McCallan for the opening encounter with Scotland next Wednesday, which would be a serious blow to Ireland’s hopes of securing a World Cup qualification place.
Ireland finish their warm up schedule with a game against UAE in Pretoria on Sunday.