A 46 off just 30 deliveries by Irish captain William Porterfield helped Ireland’s cricketers to a five wicket win over Afghanistan in the first game of the quadrangular Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, writes RTÉ Sport’s John Kenny.
The tournament, which also involves Canada and Sri Lanka A, is part of the build up to the Twenty20 world cup qualifiers, which take place in Dubai later this month.
Afghanistan, who recently defeated Ireland in the four day Intercontinental Cup match also in Sri Lanka, won the toss and decided to bat, but the Irish bowlers dominated, restricting the Afghans to 121 for nine off their 20 overs, with Raees Ahmadzai top scoring with 33 runs from 36 deliveries.
The 17-year-old left arm spinner George Dockrell, who joined up with the Irish squad after playing at the U19 world cup, had a fine spell, taking two for 11 in his four overs, while veteran Trent Johnston chipped in with 4 for 22.
Ireland made 124 for five in reply off 18.1 overs and started with a blaze as Porterfield and wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien put on 52 for the first wicket off just six overs before O'Brien fell for 18.
Paul Sterling, who was the Irish Captain at the U19 world cup, made a valuable 21 as Porterfield continued to plunder the Afghanistan attack before falling for 46, which included nine fours.
Ireland wobbled a little with victory in sight as they lost Andre Botha for just five and Kevin O’Brien for one as Ireland fell to 98 for five at the end of the 14th over.
However, John Mooney (8) and Gary Wilson (16) took Ireland over the line with Mooney hitting the first ball of the 19th over for four to take his side to 124 for five, giving Ireland a five wicket win with 11 balls to spare.
Ireland’s next game is against Canada on Wednesday, with their final match against Sri Lanka A on Thursday.
Ireland defeat Afghanistan in Sri Lanka
