Porterfield Confident of Aussie Win

Ireland captain William Porterfield is confident that his side have the capability of producing a shock in their ICC World Twenty20 opener against Australia.

Australia lost to England by nine runs in their warm-up game while Ireland triumphed over Bangladesh by five runs ahead of the Group B clash in Colombo on Wednesday.

And opening batsman Porterfield believes the contest is the perfect opportunity for Ireland to further enhance their growing reputation in international cricket.

"Irish cricket has been evolving for the past number of years and in the last five years we have been growing," he said.

"We want to get wins more regularly and this tournament is no different and that starts tomorrow (Wednesday).

"We think we've got as good a chance as any (against Australia). We're coming up against a team that is going through a bit of transition themselves but they're a good team. We're not taking them lightly at all.

"They have a lot of lads who are game-changers especially in this format of the game, but the way we've been playing, we've prepared for this tournament and we're confident in what we can do and we're just looking after our game really."

Despite Australia's defeat at the hands of defending champions England, Porterfield knows Ireland will face a side packed with quality.

He added: "They won in their last game (before England) against Pakistan so they cannot be taken lightly. To do that against Pakistan, you've got a good team.

"A lot of their players and a lot of their coaches are involved the IPL so that will give them a lot of experience in Twenty20 cricket in their off-season."

Trent Johnston, Ireland's Australian-born all-rounder, insists there will be no split loyalties when he faces the country where he was raised.

"The guys have worked hard in the nets and on their fitness in the run-up to this tour so we like to think we're 100 per cent ready and raring to go for tomorrow," the 38-year-old said.

"We've got our plans for them but they've got quality players all the way through and we know we will have to be at our best if we are to cause an upset. We're very capable of doing that.

"I'm very much entrenched in Irish cricket and I love going out and playing for Ireland. This will be my fifth 'World Cup' for them and I'm very much looking forward to it. What better start than to beat the Aussies."

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Ireland Miss England in Sri Lanka

Ireland beat Afghanistan by five wickets to win the World Twenty20 qualifying event and avoid England at the tournament proper in Sri Lanka.

With the Irish chasing 153 to win, Paul Stirling hit the second-fastest half-century in Twenty20 international history, from only 17 deliveries.

His 79 helped Ireland home with seven balls to spare in Dubai.

They join Australia and West Indies in Group B, with Afghanistan, India and defending champions England in Group A.

Ireland had beaten Namibia earlier in the day in the preliminary final to book their trip to Sri Lanka in September.

With a place at their second successive World T20 at stake, William Porterfield's men restricted the African side 94-6, seamer Max Sorensen taking 2-8.

The Irish then needed only 61 balls to reach their target, Stirling plundering a 32-ball 59 for his first half-century of the day.

With Ireland and Afghanistan now both assured of a place in tournament with the Test-playing nations, the two sides met in the qualifying event final to determine where they will be placed in the main draw.

The Afghans, previously unbeaten in the qualifiers, were indebted to Mohammad Shahzad's 77 for their total of 152-7, as Kevin O'Brien picked up 2-18 for Ireland.

Ireland lost Porterfield, bowled by paceman Dawlat Zadran, from the first ball of their reply before Stirling went on the offensive.

His 38-ball stay included nine fours and a six as he added 80 for the third wicket with Gary Wilson (32).

"I think we came out positively," said Stirling. "Afghanistan has strong bowling, they've got one of the strongest team attacks in the tournament. The wicket suited my style.

"It was my first time playing under lights and tonight showed that the runs go up when you play later in the day."

Stirling and O'Brien fell in successive balls to Zadran, leaving Wilson to steady the ship and Andrew Poynter (23) to hit the winning runs.

"It's really pleasing to win a trophy," said Porterfield. "Ten games unbeaten is a fantastic effort from the lads.

"It's a long way to go now to the World Twenty20. Playing against Australia and the West Indies is going to be a tough task. We've got to keep working hard and improving our skills."

The win adds to the recent success enjoyed by the Irish, who have scored wins over Pakistan and England at the last two 50-over World Cups.

In January, Ireland announced that they plan to apply to the International Cricket Council for Test status.

Stirling Work Gets Ireland World T20

Ireland raced to nine-wicket victory over Namibia with 61 balls to spare as they booked their place in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in Sri Lanka.

Ireland restricted Namibia to just 94-6, and then knocked off the required runs in double quick time to reach the final of the qualifying tournament.

They will now play Afghanistan on Saturday to determine which group they will play in - with a defeat meaning they would face England in September.

Ireland had lost by four runs to Namibia in the group stage of this competition, but Saturday's result rarely looked in much doubt once they began their reply.

They could not quite match their own achievement of twice chasing down targets without losing a wicket in this tournament as William Porterfield went for 20, caught well by Sarel Burger off Louis Klazinger.

However, fellow opener Paul Stirling carried Ireland through to the finish with 59 off 32 balls, smacking a four off the first delivery of the 11th over to win it.

Victims

Earlier, Ireland had taken wickets at a steady clip to prevent Namibia building any rhythm.

Trent Johnston accounted for openers Raymond van Schoon (1) and Louis van der Westhuizen (14) and when Craig Williams became the first of Max Sorensen's two victims, having made just three, Namibia were on 25-3 with seven overs already gone.

They continued to score at well under a run a ball as Gerrie Snyman made just 17 off 39 deliveries and Sorensen then had Burger caught for 20 - helping him to figures of 2-8 off his four overs.

Ian Opperman did his best to up the scoring with an unbeaten 26 off 15 balls, including one six, late on, but Namibia were only delaying the inevitable.

Ireland a Game Away from World T20

Ireland are a game away from qualifying for the World Twenty20 after beating the Netherlands by seven wickets.

The Irish now play Namibia on Saturday and victory will see them go into Group A along with England and India.

William Porterfield's men enjoyed their second comfortable win in as many days as they made the Dutch target of 114-7 with 20 balls to spare.

Kevin O'Brien was the star, claiming 2-17, before completing the chase with an unbeaten 30 from 22 balls.

Ireland's bowlers had set up Thursday's 10-wicket win over Canada and after Porterfield again opted to field first, they put their team in charge with some stifling bowling.

Only Alexei Kervezee was able to break the shackles, hitting 56 from 48 balls, with Tom Cooper (28) the other batsman to reach double figures.

Opener Paul Stirling then made sure there were no slip-ups in the chase as he made 33 from 26 balls before O'Brien finished off the job alongside Ed Joyce (25 not out).

The winners between Ireland and Namibia will earn a place in the ICC qualifying tournament final against Afghanistan, as well as a place at the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September and October.

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.

Porterfield Gets Ireland past Uganda

Ireland powered into the play-off stages of the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers courtesy of a comprehensive 82-run victory over Uganda in Dubai.

The victory guarantees the Irish a place in the top three of Group B - but top spot, and a place in the first qualifying final, could still be theirs if unbeaten Namibia slip up against Italy on Tuesday.

Ireland made 179-5 against the Ugandans, Will Porterfield top-scoring with 53 off 43 balls and Gary Wilson (30) and Kevin O'Brien (39 not out) chipping in down the order.

That was always going to be too many for their opponents, who were blown away for 97.

Trent Johnston got the ball rolling with two wickets for eight runs with the new ball, before George Dockrell (3-26) and Kevin O'Brien (2-7) also impressed.

Ireland face Oman in their final group fixture but they will be without all-rounder John Mooney (hamstring) for the remainder of the tournament.

As a result Ireland have called up Andrew Poynter as a replacement.

Mooney fell awkwardly in pursuit of a catch on the boundary during Ireland’s 17 runs victory over Scotland at the Dubai International Stadium yesterday and an MRI scan revealed the worst for the 30 year old Dubliner.

Poynter got the nod ahead of the other named reserves, Tim Murtagh, the uncapped Middlesex pace bowler who has recently qualified for Ireland, slow bowler Albert van der Merwe and Instonians batsman James Shannon.

Ironically Niall O’Brien, who was left out of this squad because he chose to play in the Bangladesh Premier League last month rather than play for Ireland in Kenya is due to arrive in Dubai on Wednesday to play for MCC and Stuart Poynter is also here with the MCC Young Cricketers.

Sunday's victory over the Scots, masterminded by Ed Joyce’s highest T20 score in 66 matches for county or country, eases any worries Ireland might have had of securing a top three place in Group B, which qualifies them for the play-off matches for a place in the finals in Sri Lanka in September. 

Alex Cusack was also ruled out of Ireland’s game today after he left the field at the end of his second over with a groin strain. 

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.

Cricket Ireland Announce Squads

Cricket Ireland has announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming tour of Kenya.

The tour will include the third round of the ICC Intercontinental Cup four-day match, two World Cup qualifying ODIs as part of the ICC 50-over League, and three T20Is, which will serve as preparation for the upcoming ICC World T20 qualifiers. 

The selectors have also announced a provisional squad of 17 players - subject to the ICC approving all player eligibility as is standard - for the ICC World T20 Qualifier in UAE.

A final squad of 14 will be selected from this by 12 February. This squad will also participate in a warm-up preparation camp in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

In announcing the squads, national coach Phil Simmons commented: "It's a strong squad with the majority of the players having served us so well over the past few years [13 of the 17 players named were in the 2011 World Cup squad].

"Max Sorensen and James Shannon are the only ones who haven't played at senior level, but they're both exciting talents whom I'm sure will acquit themselves well if needed.

"Rory McCann came in when Niall O'Brien and Gary Wilson were unavailable during the World Cricket League in 2010, and performed well behind the stumps, helping us win that tournament with an unbeaten record."

He added: "There were difficult matters for the selectors to discuss regarding Niall O'Brien's availability.

"They took on board Niall's offer to play in only the ODIs in Kenya, join the squad for part of the South Africa camp, and then the ICC World T20 qualifier.

"However, the selectors remained consistent to their principle, regarding that all players must be available for all parts of the tour.

"Niall was not able to make himself available for the whole tour and therefore the selectors have decided not to select him for any part of the tour including the ICC World T20 qualifier. 

"We are only selecting for this tour and the next selection will be for the RSA Challenge ODI versus Australia in June; at that point they will consider all available players.

"Niall has communicated that he still wishes to play for Ireland and the selectors will take that into consideration when they next meet." 

The selectors also discussed Middlesex player Tim Murtagh.

Following consultation with ICC, he is unavailable for selection until his Irish passport has been processed, although the formalities of his Irish citizenship have been confirmed.

However, Cricket Ireland has clarified that should the selectors wish to bring Murtagh into the final squad of 14 for the ICC World T20 qualifier that remains an option, assuming his passport has arrived before the ICC deadline of 12 February.

The squads in full are as follows: 

Ireland squad to tour Kenya. 

William Porterfield (Warwickshire) (captain), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Somerset), Trent Johnston (Railway Union), Nigel Jones (CSN)*, Ed Joyce (Sussex), John Mooney (North County), Rory McCann (Instonians), Kevin O'Brien (Railway Union), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Albert van der Merwe* (YMCA), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey). 

*Albert van der Merwe will only play in the Intercontinental Cup match and Nigel Jones will join the squad from 15 February to take part in the ODIs and T20s. 

Ireland squad for training camp in South Africa and ICC World T20 qualifier in the UAE.

William Porterfield (Warwickshire) (captain), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Somerset), Trent Johnston (Railway Union), Nigel Jones (CSN), Ed Joyce (Sussex), John Mooney (North County), Rory McCann (Instonians), Kevin O'Brien (Railway Union), Andrew Poynter (Clontarf), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), James Shannon (Instonians), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Albert van der Merwe (YMCA), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey). 

Ireland fixtures and itinerary are as follows: 

Kenya (Intercontinental Cup) 12-15 February.

Kenya (ODI's) 18 & 20 February.

Kenya (T20's) 22, 23, 24 February. 

South Africa training camp (25 February - 10 March).

UAE (ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers) (11-24 March)