Ireland continued their preparations for the West Indies international matches in Jamaica next week with a 3 wicket friendly practice match victory today in Trinidad.
PAUL STIRLING led Ireland to a three wicket win in a Twenty20 warm-up game against Trinidad and Tobago ‘B’ side in Trinidad today.
Chasing 139 for victory, the Middlesex player smashed 7 fours and 3 sixes in his 70 from just 38 balls, to put Ireland well on course.
Stirling dominated an opening stand of 51 with skipper William Porterfield (4), being particularly savage taking 41 from two overs bowled by Marlon Richards and Daron Cruickshank.
After Porterfield was dismissed, Stirling and Kevin O’Brien (21) took the score to 86 for 1 at the half-way stage, as Ireland looked set to register a convincing win.
However with Stirling run out following a mix up with Andrew Poynter, Gary Wilson (0), Andrew Poynter (4), Niall O’Brien (1) and Max Sorensen (11) all fell cheaply, and it was left to James Shannon to clinch the win.
The Instonians batsman scored an unbeaten 23 from 18 balls, including successive boundaries in the final over off Tevin Robertson to steer Ireland home with three balls to spare.
Earlier a solid batting display by the young Trinidad and Tobago side had set what proved to be a challenging 138 for 4 in their 20 overs.
Marlon Barclay top scored with 35, while there were good performances also from Kjorn Ottley (34), Adrian Ali (28) and Jonathan Augustus (18*).
The Irish attack bowled steadily throughout with the wickets being taken by Kevin O’Brien (1-21), George Dockrell (1-25), Andrew McBrine (1-26) and Craig Young (1-26).
Ireland are back in action tomorrow (FRI) when they play another T20 warm-up against a T&T select.
Cricket Ireland
Paul Stirling made 70
No
Connaught
