Stirling seals series for Ireland
A superb all-round performance from Paul Stirling helped Ireland cruise to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Kenya in the second Twenty20 International in Mombasa on Thursday.
A superb all-round performance from Paul Stirling helped Ireland cruise to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Kenya in the second Twenty20 International in Mombasa on Thursday.
Stirling took two wickets before smashing 65 off 52 balls as the Irish comfortably chased down Kenya's total of 131 for seven.
It was a second successive T20 win for the touring Irish who also won the opening match on Wednesday to claim the three-match series with a game in hand.
After winning the toss and batting, Kenya's start was somewhat sedate as they trudged to 27 without loss just short of five overs. Australia-born opener Duncan Allan was the first man to go as he tried an audacious reverse sweep, only to be bowled by a Stirling off-spinner.
Veterans David and Collins Obuya tried to inject some speed into the Kenyan scoring, but the brothers struggled to find the boundary with any regularity and pressure eventually got to skipper Collins who was caught on the edge of the ropes by Nigel Jones of John Mooney.
Tanmay Mishra lasted just nine balls for his 13, while David Obuya's innings was cut short on 28 when he was leg before to Stirling.
All-rounder Rakep Patel blasted 27 off 22 which included two sixes and two fours, but he received little support at the other end as Ragheb Aga, Nelson and Nehemiah Odiambo all failed to reach double figures.
Stirling's two for 21 was best of the Irish bowlers as Kenya could only manage 131 in their 20 overs.
In reply, a 63-run opening stand from William Porterfield (23) and Stirling effectively took the contest away from Kenya who could only take solace in the fact that they claimed the wickets of the Irish captain, Porterfield, and vice-captain Kevin O'Brien who could manage just nine before he was bowled by Hiren Varaiya.
With the series now wrapped Ireland will go into Friday's final match aiming to make a clean sweep of the Twenty20 matches.
Latest
-
NewsAli Orr helps Sussex to five-wicket win over Derbyshire
The 21-year-old opener was helped by partners Tom Alsop and Mohammad Rizwan.
-
EnglandIssy Wong living the dream as late wickets boost England against South Africa
The 20-year-old fast bowler made an impact on a rain-affected day three at Taunton.
-
EnglandEngland frustrated by the weather on third day of South Africa Test
South Africa were 51 for three at the close of play.
-
EnglandIssy Wong’s late double keeps England in control at Taunton
.England were rewarded for their patience during a lengthy rain delay.
-
EnglandJames Anderson: England’s new-found confidence unlike anything I’ve seen before
Anderson first played for his country in 2002 and has lived through more than his fair share of new eras, reboots and fresh starts.
-
EnglandEngland paceman James Anderson keen to prove fitness ahead of India Test
The 39-year-old sat out the final match against New Zealand at Headingley due to concerns over his left ankle but says it now feels “pretty good”.
-
EnglandAndrew Gale ‘not willing to engage’ in ‘tainted’ ECB racism disciplinary process
Gale denied Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against him and described him as an “embittered former colleague”.
-
EnglandMichael Vaughan ‘steps back’ from BBC work after staff raise concerns
The former England captain had recently returned to Test Match Special coverage.
-
EnglandSimon Harmer bowls Essex to thrilling win while Surrey dominate Kent
Spinner Harmer took 15 wickets in the match as his side held off Hampshire by 12 runs.
-
EnglandSciver stars and Davidson-Richards makes history – day two in the women’s Test
The England pair’s maiden Test centuries took their side past South Africa’s total at Taunton.