Ireland eye top spot in Group B with crushing win over Jersey

Group B: Ireland 2/110 (Stirling 58*, Balbirnie 33, Perchard 1-16) defeated Jersey 105 all out (Stevens 25, Adair 3-10, Delany 2-12) by 8 wickets.

Ireland have comfortably disposed of European compatriots Jersey by eight wickets in their group B matchup in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Ireland won the toss and elected to field, a decision that would reap fruits when they dismissed Jersey for 105 from their 20 overs.

Paceman Mark Adair struck in the first over to give Ireland the early momentum before Ben Stevens and Nick Greenwood developed some chemistry at the crease to get Jersey’s innings underway.  

Jersey were beginning to set a tempo at 1-36 in the fifth over before David Delany bowled Greenwood with a collapse ensuing for the Jersey boys.

Losing 3-2 in the following overs including the prized wicket of Jonty Jenner crushed hopes of posting a competitive score with some late hitting from Dom Blampied and Ben Ward, the hero from their victory against the UAE, getting their side to 105 from their 20 overs.

For Ireland it was Mark Adair who led from the front, Adair remarkably had figures of 2-1 from his first two overs. With his spell including 17 dots and final figures of 3-10 from four overs.

Ireland chasing the modest total went from word go and it was in form opener Paul Stirling who set the tempo for the Irish.

Sensing an opportunity to increase their net run rate, Stirling blasting 58 from 37 balls to lead his side to victory. Ably assisted by Andy Balbirnie who chimed in with 33 off 27 balls.

The Irish passed the score in the 14^th over with Stirling finishing not out. Both not out batsmen George Delany and Stirling sport impressive averages at the tournament of 56 and 57 respectively with Stirling now the leading run-scorer at the competition after the innings.

With today’s win, Ireland kept their hopes of automatic qualification alive with one match left to go against bottom of the table Nigeria tomorrow

While the crushing loss means Jersey will have to beat top of the table Oman on Sunday in their last pool match to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Photo: ICC