Ireland on Saturday became the second associate nation to qualify for the 2012 ICC World Twenty20, to be held in Sri Lanka, when they beat Namibia by nine wickets in the 2nd qualifying final at Dubai.
Published: Mar 24, 2012, 05:18 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 24, 2012, 05:18 PM (IST)
Ireland, led by fast-medium bowlers Trent Johnston and Max Sorensen (above), restricted Namibia to 94 for six in 20 overs © Getty Images
Dubai: Mar 24, 2012
Ireland on Saturday became the second associate nation to qualify for the 2012 ICC World Twenty20, to be held in Sri Lanka, when they beat Namibia by nine wickets in the 2nd qualifying final at Dubai.
Ireland, led by fast-medium bowlers Trent Johnston and Max Sorensen, restricted Namibia to 94 for six in 20 overs, and chased down the target in just 10.1 overs.
Paul Stirling struck an unbeaten 59 off 32 balls with nine boundaries and a six.
With this win, Ireland avenged their loss to the same opponent in the opening league game of the tournament.
Johnston ended with figures of two for 19 while Sorensen claimed two for eight.
Opting to bat, Namibia’s Ian Opperman (26 not out) and captain Sarel Burger (20) were the only batsmen to make any impact.
So good was the Ireland bowling that left-arm spinner George Dockrell was not even required to bowl.
Ireland captain William Porterfield was thrilled at qualifying for yet another ICC global event.
“I think Namibia played well throughout the tournament.
It was easy picking ourselves up after the defeat against Namibia in the first game because we lost by just four runs.
“We came here with a goal of winning this tournament. The qualification has been achieved. We have done it the hard way but it is yet another great day for Irish sport. We just want to keep it going.
A disappointed Burger later said: “It was the right decision to bat first. Unfortunately we did not end up scoring the runs we should have. The pitch does not change much over 20 overs. Ireland came out and bowled very well.
“There was a lot of anticipation and excitement. Maybe due to big expectations, one tends to get carried away. A lot of times you put yourself under a lot of pressure.” (PTI)
