ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Ireland lose to Sydney club side in warm-up game

Sydney: Giantkillers Ireland found the tables turned on them as they were well-beaten by a Sydney club side in a ICC World Cup 2015 warm-up match on Friday.

Ireland, who have enjoyed memorable wins over Pakistan and England at recent World Cups, went down to a five-wicket defeat by Randwick Petersham in a 50-over friendly at Sydney’s Coogee Oval.William Porterfield, the Ireland captain, top-scored with 74 in a seemingly competitive total of 255 for seven. However, Randwick Petersham won with more than six overs to spare after opener Alex Sams made 80 in a total of 256 for five before home skipper Adam Semple (33 not out) finished the job.

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Ireland, who were without several first-choice players, continue their preparations with official warm-up games against fellow World Cup competitors Scotland and Bangladesh on Tuesday and Thursday. The Irish will hope the return of Kevin O’Brien, George Dockrell, Alex Cusack and John Mooney provides a boost ahead of their opening Group B match against the West Indies in Nelson, New Zealand, on February 16.