Stuart Poynter’s last-ball six seals Ireland’s thrilling one-wicket victory over Netherlands

Netherlands failed to capitalise on the fine start with the remaining batsmen registering just 63 runs in the final 10 overs.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Stuart Poynter’s six off the last ball of the run-chase sealed Ireland’s thrilling one-victory over Netherlands in the fifth game of the quadrangular Twenty20 International series in Oman on Sunday.

Chasing a stiff 183-run target that came on the back of Tobias Visee’s thunderous 36-ball 78, Ireland were right in the run-chase and required six runs from the final two deliveries. Netherland’s Paul van Meekeren made it six off the last delivery. That’s when Poynter smoked one to the boundary to seal the match. (ALSO READ: Afghanistan drop Mujeeb Ur Rahman for Ireland Test, Mohammad Shahzad not picked for T20Is)

Earlier, after asked to bat, Visee smashed 12 boundaries and three sixes to ensure Netherlands were off to a flier. He added 116 runs in 9.2 overs with Max O’Dowd (38) before he was dismissed by George Dockrell in the 10^th over.

Netherlands failed to capitalise on the fine start with the remaining batsmen registering just 63 runs in the final 10 overs. Stuart Thompson turned the screws on the opposition with four for 18, while Boyd Rankin (two for 27) and skipper Paul Stirling (1 for 13) chipped in as well.

Ireland lost Stirling early, but Kevin O’ Brien (30-ball 46) and Andrew Balbirnie (50-ball 83) steered the innings as the duo added 86 for the second wicket. Balbirnie, who scored 12 fours and one six, fell to Paul van Meekeren (4 for 38) with 148 runs in the board. He top scored with 83 off just 50 balls before Poynter finished off the memorable match.

Brief scores: Ireland 183/9 (Andrew Balbirnie 83, Kevin O’Brien 46; Paul van Meekeren 4/38, Fred Klaassen 3/31) beat Netherlands 182/9 (Tobias Visee 78; Stuart Thompson 4/18) by one wicket

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