Ireland's cricketers have suffered a shock defeat in their bid to qualify for next year's T20 World Cup finals with a two-wicket defeat to the unfancied Papua New Guinea at Stormont.
The loss marks Ireland's first defeat in their last 24 T20 qualifying games.
Ireland batted first and made 123 for nine off their 20 overs, thanks in the main to a 57 not out from captain William Porterfield.
Papua New Guinea in reply were in trouble on 98 for eight in the 17th over, but a quick fire 28 from ten balls, including three sixes in the penultimate over from Norman Vanua, gave Papua New Guinea the win.
Only Gary Wilson (ten) and Alex Cusack (13no) reached double figures after Porterfield as the rest of Ireland's battling attack struggled.
They slipped to 33 for four after losing Niall O'Brien (nine) and Paul Stirling (one) early but Porterfield hit 57 from 58 deliveries to give them hope.
Kevin O'Brien continued his good form, claiming two for 11 after taking three for eight in Monday's win over Nepal, while John Mooney also took two wickets.
But they failed to stop Vanua at the death after Assad Vala had top-scored with 32 as Papua New Guinea reached 124 for eight with seven balls remaining.
Ireland still top Group A following victories over Nepal, the US and Namibia and play Hong Kong at Malahide in their next group match at 14:15 on Friday.
