Ireland secure tri-series with win over Scotland

Ireland have claimed victory in the Netherlands T20I tri-series with a game to spare, after a commanding win over Scotland. The Irish hold a two point lead over Scotland, who have completed their run, and three points over the Dutch.

Despite a late wobble, Ireland were comfortable winners chasing 158. Fifties from Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker, as well as 30 for Paul Stirling, got Ireland within thirty of their target for the loss of one wicket. Though Ireland’s middle order missed out – Harry Tector and Curtis Campher out on consecutive balls to Chris Sole – the chase was sealed with three balls and five wickets in hand.

Scotland won the toss and elected to bat, but failed to make a fast getaway. George Munsey and Oli Hairs both fell early for little better than a-run-a-ball. Micheal Jones and Richie Berrington made good use of what remained of the powerplay, reaching 57/2 after the first six. Both were then dismissed, forcing the Saltires to rebuild again.

Ireland controlled the middle period of Scotland’s innings with spin, but when the seamers returned, Micheal Leask and Matthew Cross both cashed in, building a fifty partnership. Leask fell at the end of the 15^th over for 34, after which Scotland’s lower order failed to keep up the momentum. Effective death bowling and late wickets for Ireland’s seamers kept Scotland to 157/8, after 170 had looked par.

Mark Adair and Craig Young each finished with three wickets, though with high economy rate, whilst Ireland’s three spin options bowled a combined 8 overs with figures of 2/45. Cross top scored for Scotland with 35.

Ireland’s reply started well, finishing the powerplay 51/0. Though Stirling fell to Chris Greaves in the 8^th over, Balbirnie and Tucker kept up a positive run rate. By the time Balbirnie was dismissed by Chris Sole for 56, Ireland’s chase was well under a-run-a-ball. Sole’s double strike in the eighteenth over came too late to threaten the result, and though Lorcan Tucker was run out for 55 with the scores tied, Ireland made it home for a comfortable victory.

Ireland play Netherland in the final fixture before the teams embark for the USA and Caribbean, whilst Scotland finish with a 1-2 record with one washout.

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