CRICKET:ONE VICTORY from their remaining two Super Eights fixtures will be enough for Ireland to claim a spot in the next World Cup after they put their defeat to Afghanistan firmly behind them with a comprehensive, eight-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in Johannesburg yesterday.
Ireland coach Phil Simmons had put Saturday’s reverse down to complacency, but his side dominated from the start at Wits University in their most clinical win to date in the qualifying series.
The opening bowlers set the right tone after skipper William Porterfield had won the toss and inserted the UAE. Boyd Rankin struck with his third ball to bowl Arshad Ali, and dealt out the same treatment to Amjad Javed in his next over.
At the other end Peter Connell bowled Khurram Khan to leave the Asian side on three for three.
A defiant innings of 63 from man of the match Fayyaz Ahmed helped them into three figures and Regan West eventually accounted for Ahmed to end the innings on 133 with over 10 overs remaining, one of three wickets for the left-arm spinner.
Ireland’s bowlers all picked up a wicket, with Rankin, Connell and Trent Johnston claiming two apiece. Ireland made short work of their chase, with William Porterfield and Gary Wilson putting on 83 for the first wicket.
However, it was left to Eoin Morgan to hit the decisive run in the 28th over as he finished unbeaten on 30, which included two sixes and three fours.
Ireland face the Netherlands in their penultimate Super Eights clash tomorrow, knowing a win will secure one of the four spots available in the next World Cup.
Canada remain top of the table on run rate from Ireland.
