Thaindian News

Dubai, March 24 (IANS) Ireland became the second team to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka after beating Namibia by nine wickets in the second final of the Qualifiers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) here Saturday.

Ireland bowlers, led by fast-medium bowlers Trent Johnston and Max Sorensen, restricted Namibia’s in-form batting line-up to just 94 for 6 in 20 overs. Ireland chased down the target in 10.1 overs to end at 96 for one, thanks to Paul Stirling’s unbeaten 59 off 32 balls with nine boundaries and a six.

With this win, Ireland avenged the loss in the opening league game of the tournament to Namibia.

Earlier, while Trent Johnston ended with figures of (two for 19) he was upstaged by Max Sorensen (2/8), who bowled a spell with no fewer than 17 dot balls, to earn the man of the match award.

The victory, apart from earning Ireland a ticket to Sri Lanka for the tournament proper to be staged from Sep 18 to Oct7, has also set up a final of the qualifying tournament against Afghanistan to be held later in the day.

The tournament winner joins Australia and the West Indies in Group B, while the losing finalist will complete Group A which also includes defending champion England and 2007 winner India.

Porterfield was thrilled at qualifying for yet another ICC global event.

“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.”

Afghanistan have qualified for the tournament.