Thursday, 22 March 2012

Vintage TJ Runs Canada Dry


Ireland kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the World Twenty20 with a 10-wicket victory over Canada.

A superb bowling performance, in which George Dockrell and Max Sorensen both took three wickets, restricted Canada to 106-8.

Fit-again Trent Johnston claimed two for nine from four overs.

Paul Stirling hit 61 not out from 32 balls, and William Porterfield an unbeaten 42, as Ireland completed the run-chase with 10.3 overs to spare.

Despite the impressive batting performance of the openers, Johnston was named man of the match for his efforts with the ball.

It was the Irish bowlers who set up victory though as they tore through Canada's middle-order, at one stage claiming four for 17.

Teenage spinner Dockrell took three for 19 while medium-pacer Sorensen was similarly effective as he snared three for 20.

Stirling hit three sixes in his 32-ball knock.

Ireland will face the Netherlands in their next game on Friday.

A victory for the Irish will set up a clash against the losers of Thursday afternoon's match between the two group winners, Namibia and Afghanistan, to determine the second and final place in Sri Lanka, alongside the other 10 competing nations.