Cricket:An under strength Ireland side began the defence of their World Cricket League Division One title in the Netherlands today with a convincing seven-wicket win over Kenya at the VOC grounds in Rotterdam.
Paul Stirling’s fine form with the bat continued as he tore into Kenya’s total of 163 before holing out for 87 with the victory line in sight.
Clontarf all-rounder Alex Cusack also notched his maiden half-century with an unbeaten 59 and shared in the match-winning stand of 127 for the second wicket with Stirling.
Stirling brought up his half-century off 55 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six and was dropped on both 70 and 82 before departing with Ireland just nine runs short of victory.
Kevin O’Brien went without scoring before Andrew Poynter brought up victory with a single, leaving 61 balls to spare.
Next up tomorrow for Ireland is an Afghanistan side that have already secured some notable victories over them, including the World Twenty20 qualifier final in Dubai in February.
They got their campaign off to a winning start against Canada yesterday, while Scotland beat the Netherlands by one wicket in a last-ball thriller.