In a week of close encounters for Irish sides, Ireland A lost to Kent’s second XI in a 40-over bash today.
In a week of close encounters for Irish sides, Ireland A lost to Kent’s second XI in a 40-over bash today.
After two days of rain, Ireland A and Kent’s second team coaches agreed to play a 40-over match on the last day of what was supposed to be a three-day match.
Ireland posted a total of 171-4, Andrew Balbirnie top-scoring for the match with 71 from 80 balls. Ben Ackland was caught behind off the bowling of Harry Hampton in the first over but the other opener, Chris Dougherty made 25 from 35 before he was trapped leg before. James Shannon could only add four runs to the total before Tyrone Kane joined Balbirnie and the pair added another 38 runs.
Balbirnie then departed after a false shot meant he was caught at mid-wicket. Kane finished out the innings with Andrew McBrine, the pair adding 55 in just over 13 overs – disappointing considering how many wickets Ireland still had in hand.
Ireland started the second innings brightly with two early wickets, one a run-out in the first over. At 7-2, Kent had a lot of work left to do. Unfortunately, a rain-break led to a revised target of 121 in 28 overs and Kent were immediately in the driving seat. Sam Billings (61) and Adam Ball (41) did most of the damage, although Ireland’s Max Sorensen took three wickets for 25 in his 7.4 overs. Both were dismissed, but too late as Kent passed their target with two balls and five wickets to spare.
Cricket Ireland
Max Sorensen took three wickets as Ireland defended a below-par total
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