Published 12:58 IST, October 27th 2019
Ireland and Netherlands edge closer to World T20 finals after big wins
Ireland and Netherlands secured qualification for the play-offs at the World T20 qualifier after registering convincing wins over Nigeria and Bermuda.
Ireland and Netherlands secured qualification for the play-offs at the World T20 qualifier after registering convincing wins over Nigeria and Bermuda by eight wickets and 92 runs respectively. Craig Young's four for 13, alongside Mark Adair's two for ten, meant Nigeria always struggled were not allowed to get going with the bat against Ireland and could only register 66 for nine from 20 overs on Saturday.
A walk in the park for Ireland
Ireland were never in trouble as Kevin O'Brien's 32 and Paul Stirling's 11 again got the side off to a fast start, and the target of 67 was reached in just 6.1 overs as they now sit top of Group B on eight points.However, second place Oman still have one group game remaining.In Group A, Bermuda were no match for the Netherlands as a Dutch record opening stand of 123 put them on their way to registering their highest ever team total of 206 for three.Ben Cooper and Max O'Dowd both hit 58 and Colin Ackermann bashed a late 43 before Paul van Meekeren took three wickets for 26 as Bermuda could only register 114 for nine in reply, Kamau Leverock top-scoring with 31.
Skipper Gary Wilson on Ireland's chances
Earlier, Ireland captain Gary Wilson had wanted his side to ensure they finish "right at the top again" in the ongoing 2020 T20 World Cup qualifying tournament. Wilson had expressed his desire prior to the start of the competition. With 14 nations vying for six places in the opening round of next year's World T20 in Australia, Ireland will now be hoping to join Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the Super 12. Meanwhile, Ireland are the only Test team having to go through qualifying at the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They will now be eager to make their sixth straight appearance in the tournament.
Updated 13:38 IST, October 27th 2019