CRICKET:RELAND ARE set for a World Cup windfall after securing their place in next summer's Twenty20 version in England with a four-wicket victory over Kenya in yesterday's qualifier semi-final.
They will face the Netherlands in today's final (1pm) safe in the knowledge a second World Cup adventure awaits them, while a participation fee of €160,000 will bring smiles to the faces of the players as well as the administrators of the game in this country.
The players are now guaranteed a cut of €45,000 between them, and that will go up to €65,000 if they can defeat the Dutch today and wrap up a fine couple of weeks for Phil Simmons's side after they defended their European Championship crown.
A victory is likely to see Ireland join India and Bangladesh in Group A at next June's finals, assuming Zimbabwe pull out of the competition. They would open against Bangladesh, a team they beat in the 50-over World Cup, on Monday, June 8th, before taking on defending champions India two days later. Both games take place at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
The prize for coming second is none too shabby, with an opening match against England in the curtain-raiser at Lord's on June 5th bound to be one of the hottest sporting tickets of the summer.
They would also relive memories of their finest hour in Sabina Park last March, with a clash against Pakistan also on the cards at Lord's.
Simmons wasn't looking beyond today's clash with the Dutch, although he was delighted to see his team progress.
"A World Cup is a World Cup; I don't care what kind it is. It's brilliant to be there as a part of it," he said. "I'm sure it's going to be really exciting and you can see that on the faces of the guys in the dressing-room. Those that were at the last one know what happened and want to be a part again. It's great to see."
Ireland's near-death cricketing experience against Bermuda on Sunday night seemed to breathe new life into them yesterday as they defeated Kenya.
True to their form in this tournament, they didn't make it easy on themselves. After winning a vital toss, they backed it up with a stunning display in the field that left them chasing just 68 to win their semi-final.
But in the end it took them until the last over yet again to decide matters, Kevin O'Brien smashing a straight six off Tony Suji's first ball to settle the issue.
It was another poor batting display by Ireland, but Simmons believes his side are still getting to grips with the format.
"They haven't adjusted to Twenty20 yet. That's something they will keep working on and try different things," Simmons said.
Andre Botha top-scored for Ireland with 22 off 34 balls and shared a vital third-wicket stand of 38 with Niall O'Brien after both openers had departed with the score on three.
It wrapped up another man-of-the-match performance from the North County player, who led a brilliant bowling performance with three wickets for 20 off his four overs.
There were two wickets apiece for Peter Connell, Kevin O'Brien and Alex Cusack, while cracking catches from Cusack and Kyle McCallan and a run-out from skipper William Porterfield were the highlights of a fine fielding display.
The Netherlands wrapped up their place in the final with a comfortable, five-wicket victory over Scotland in the other semi-final.
Essex all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate was the star performer, taking three wickets and hitting an undefeated 25 off 18 balls as the Dutch got home with two overs to spare.
The Scots are likely to still take part in England next summer after they won the third-place play-off by nine wickets against Kenya.
