Published: Sep 03, 2013, 06:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 03, 2013, 06:44 PM (IST)
Skipper William Porterfield scored his sixth ODI ton and equaled his career-best 112 against England in the only ODI at Malahide © Getty Images
Sep 3, 2013
Riding on a century knock by skipper William Porterfield, Ireland posted 269 for seven against England in the one-off ODI at Malahide on Tuesday. Porterfield’s former teammate Boyd Rankin though remained in the spotlight picking four wickets appearing in the English jersey.
The Irish fans welcomed the teams to the redeveloped stadium at Malahide. This match for England is a perfect platform to allow their youngsters to get a hold of playing for the national team before they head back home to play against Australia. They had three new caps with Michael Carberry, Gary Ballance and Boyd Rankin. Rankin became the eighth player to have played ODIs for two countries.
Ironically, the Irish-born Rankin gave the first wicket of the morning after skipper Eoin Morgan won the toss. The lanky pacer got the edge of Paul Sterling as fellow debutant Ballance latched on to the sharp chance. Rankin followed it up with one more, pushing Ed Joyce on the backfoot ending in a hit-wicket dismissal. The pacer pointed out the dislodged bails as replays confirmed Joyce’s foot had brushed past the base of the stumps.
Niall O’Brien joined skipper Porterfield to stitch a 59-run partnership to bring some stability to the innings. The pitch was on the slower side as Ireland managed to keep up with a run-rate of around 4 – 4.5 and over. O’Brien though got a reprieve during his short innings of 26 runs.
Michael Carberry’s debut started on a miserable note even before he walked into bat. The debutant dropped two simple catches in the outfield of O’Brien and later of a well-set Porterfield. Soon after Porterfield’s drop, Carberry had more in store as he was called on to ball by Morgan. With a next-to-none run-up, Mooney who was living dangerously went after the bowler.
Off-spinner James Tredwell then kept the flow of runs in check and got two crucial wickets of O’Brien and Gary Wilson (2) as Ireland were 121 for four in the 27th over.
John Mooney and Porterfield then took the innings forward as the skipper headed for his sixth ODI ton. Porterfield completed his ton in the best possible way by slapping a short delivery into the stands off his old mate Rankin. Since the Carberry over, the Irish batsmen appeared to have found some momentum to their innings.
Mooney and Porterfield hit some quick runs before the skipper yorked himself off Rankin’s delivery. His 112-run innings included 14 fours and a six. Rankin then removed Mooney for 27. Coming over the wicket, Rankin pitched it up as the batsman was struck well in front of the stumps.
Trent Johnston and Max Sorensen then added some valuable runs for the side, taking the total past 250. Sorensen was more aggressive of the two scoring 24 off 17 balls.
The England pacers were well on target with Rankin being pick of the bowlers claiming four for 46. Steven Finn was accurate and went for 44 in his ten overs even though he didn’t bag any wickets.
England still look good to chase the score, but the slightly slow wicket and any hara-kiri from the young side might just make the chase more interesting.
Brief scores
Ireland 269 for 7 in 50 overs (William Porterfield 112, John Mooney 27; Boyd Rankin 4 for 46, James Tredwell 2 for 35) vs England.
Full Scorecard
