Ireland had only themselves to blame for allowing Denmark to reach a testing 231-6 yesterday in their crucial World Cup qualifying game in Toronto. The Irish side contrived to drop four catches and bowl an unacceptable total of 20 wides and no-balls in an ICC Trophy match reduced to 46 overs per side by heavy overnight rain.
Danish batsman Aftab Ahmed also cashed in on some loose bowling in the latter stages, hitting four sixes in an increasingly aggressive innings of 86 not out. The day began well for Ireland as Denmark chose to bat on what was expected to be a helpful pitch, and Paul Mooney removed Carsten Pedersen with the fourth ball of the innings.
But Mooney then saw three chances grassed in four overs - Decker Curry failed to grasp a waist-high chance at slip and wicketkeeper Andy Patterson dropped both batsmen moving to his right.
When Micky Lund directed a Derek Heasley full toss into his stumps and opener Freddie Klokker picked out Mooney at square leg off the same bowler it seemed the damage had been repaired at 61-3.
Ireland can still qualify for the next week's second stage by beating Papua New Guinea in their final Group B match today (fri)but knew they had to beat Denmark if they are serious about ultimately qualifying for the World Cup.
