A John Mooney inspired Ireland helped Ireland to an impressive 7 wicket win over Namibia a sunny Stormont, as they got the ICC World T20 Qualifier off to the best possible start.
FINAL SCORECARD
Coming on first change in the third over, Mooney bowled accuracy as he picked up 3-23 from his four over spell. Pick of the scalps was his yorker to demolish the stumps of van Schoor.
George Dockrell was also impressive with the ball, only conceding 15 runs in his four overs picking up two wickets in the process as Namibia were restricted to 124-8 from their 20 overs.
There was also two wickets for Alex Cusack (2-25) and a wicket for Paul Stirling (1-20).
For Namibia, only one batsman – JJ Smit (21) – passed the 20 run mark; JP Kotze was the closest with 18.
Niall O’Brien was elevated to open the batting for Ireland alongside Paul Stirling, but that latter was gone inside the first over caught at cover for just 1.
Skipper William Porterfield joined O’Brien, and together the pair set about chasing down the target with a fine display of shots all around the ground. O’Brien was eventually out caught at long-on for a well made 45 from 40 balls.
His brother Kevin suffered a similar fate not long after, but a top knock of 56 from 44 balls saw Ireland over the line with more than two overs to spare; Balbirnie was the other not out batsman on 18.
A fine start to the tournament for the host nation, next up for the Irish is the USA on Sunday. Play gets underway at 10am – tickets for that match are available on the gate.
[3362] Ireland v Namibia – WT20Q – ireland-v-namibia-wt20q
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Connaught
