Porterfield Leads Ireland Comeback

Ireland bounced back from their first-day defeat at the ICC World Twenty20 qualifier in Dubai with a 10-wicket victory over Kenya.

The favourites for the tournament were shocked by Namibia on day one but never looked in danger against Kenya, who they bowled out for 71 before captain Will Porterfield scored an aggressive 56 not out to lead the chase.

Kenya won the toss but will regret batting first as they lost both openers to Boyd Rankin inside three overs.

The paceman also accounted for skipper Collins Obuya to finish with figures of 3-20.

Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, with only Tanmay Mishra (28) reaching double figures.

Alex Cusack, John Mooney and George Dockrell all picked up two wickets as the innings was rounded up with an over to spare.

Ireland's reply was emphatic, with Porterfield dominating the bowling and Paul Stirling chipping in with 15 not out.

Porterfield faced 27 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes, as Ireland crossed the line after only 7.2 overs.

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.