Ireland win in Mombasa

Ireland slinked to a six-wicket win over Kenya in Mombasa, but will certainly want better from the remainder of their three-match Twenty20 International series.

Ireland slinked to a six-wicket win over Kenya in Mombasa, but will certainly want better from the remainder of their three-match Twenty20 International series.

Upstaged by the same opposition in their World Cricket League Championship ODI last week, the Irish later hit back with a comfortable victory in the second one-dayer only to return to a shaky showing on Wednesday.

With Kenya on the ropes at 35 for four, they were allowed back into the contest as Tanmay Mishra and Ragheb Aga put on 48 runs for the fifth wicket. Later, Nehemiah Odiahambo's cameo pushed the total to three figures at least, leaving spinner George Dockrell's top-order brace somewhat unfulfilled.

A pursuit that required little more than five runs an over soon transpired into a hefty trek for the Irish, who suffererd the early losses of William Porterfield, Paul Stirling and Alex Cusack to varying degrees of irresponsibility.

Left to rectify proceedings, Kevin O'Brien, Ed Joyce and John Mooney proved true to form with 30 not out, 24 and an unbeaten 16 respectively.

While victory was secured with 27 balls to spare, Ireland would like to have had done it in a more formidable fashion. They'll have a chance to do so come Thursday's penultimate T20I.

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