Ireland top scorer Kevin O’Brien was delighted with the performance of the Irish and feels they may be coming into form at exactly the right time.
Ireland secured their Desert T20 semi-final place with a relatively comfirtable 24 run win over hosts UAE in Dubai.
Ireland top scorer Kevin O’Brien was delighted with the performance of the Irish and feels they may be coming into form at exactly the right time.
“It was a very good all-round team performance today,” said O’Brien. “It’s always good to peak at right time in a tournament like this to follow up Tuesday’s win over Namibia.”
The Irish hit 8 sixes in their innings – having failed to clear the ropes in their two previous games in the tournament.
O’Brien felt the switch of venues from Abu Dhabi to Dubai was the main factor in this.
“The stadium here in Dubai is slightly smaller than the Sheikh Zayed arena in Abu Dhabi. The pitch also seemed to have more pace and carry, and that suited us.
Boyd Rankin returned to the Irish team having missed yesterday’s win over Namibia, and O’Brien was delighted at the Tyrone paceman’s contribution.
“It was great to have Boyd back in the ranks today. He makes things difficult for the opposition with his natural length, and those three early wickets meant we were always in control of the game.”
He also paid tribute to the variety newcomer Jacob Mulder brings to the Irish ranks, as the CIYMS man continues to impress and take wickets with his leg-spin.
“It’s great that we have all different spin options with the ball, so it makes things tough for the opposition to settle. Jacob has setlled well into the Irish fold and brings something different to the team.”
O’Brien has batted at number four in the competition for Ireland, and although his preference is for an opening role, he’s happy to slot in where required for the side.
“Of course I’d like to be opening – it’s the best place to bat in T20 cricket. But I’m happy in the middle order. I’ve done it a lot over the years and allows me to play the situation required.
“It’s just great to be back winning in this format. We at not the finished article yet, but good to be in a semi final on Friday.”
Ireland play that semi-final on Friday at the same venue. Their opponents are unknown at this stage with The Netherlands, Oman and Scotland all in the frame.
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