Friday 24 February 2012

Mooney Helps in Ireland Whitewash


A nerveless final over from John Mooney gave Ireland a two-run win over Kenya and a 3-0 Twenty20 series success.

Having made a modest 107 for nine, Ireland started well in the field only for Collins Obuya (42) and Tanmay Mishra (37) to give the hosts a chance.

Kenya began the last over requiring seven for victory.

But Mooney removed Alex Obanda with the third ball and, with Kenya needing three off the last delivery to win, bowled a dot ball to secure victory.

Ireland's innings started in the worst possible fashion when Paul Stirling was run out off the first ball without facing.

Only Gary Wilson, with 32 off 38 balls, and Ed Joyce, who scored 38 off 46, reached double figures as Shem Ngoche claimed four for 14.

Tailender Boyd Rankin nudged Ireland into three figures, then struck with the new ball as he and left-arm spinner George Dockrell, who took two for 13 from four overs, reduced Kenya to six for two.

Obuya and Mishra added 53 for the third wicket, but Rankin returned to bowl Obuya and Andrew White accounted for Mishra to set up a tense finale.