Ireland Seal ICC WT20 Qualification In Style

Ireland Seal ICC WT20 Qualification In Style

Ireland sealed a return to the ICC World Twenty20 with a crushing win over Namibia in Dubai and Paul Stirling's half-century helped them do it

©ICC / Barry Chambers

Ireland 96-1 (Stirling 59no) beat
Namibia 94-6 (Sorenson 2-8) by nine wickets
ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, Dubai

Ireland booked their place in the ICC World Twenty20 2012 by dispatching Namibia by nine wickets in a one-sided preliminary final of the qualifying event in Dubai.

Batting first, Namibia could only reach 94 for six, as their superb form at the start of the tournament deserted them, and Ireland raced to victory in 10.1 overs.

Ian Opperman made 26 not out in 15 balls to top score for Namibia, for whom Sarel Burger (20), Gerrie Snyman (17) and Louis van der Westhuizen (14) also made starts.

However, a brace of wickets apiece Max Sorensen and Trent Johnston ensured they were unable to even reach a century.

Ireland's opening partnership has been strong throughout the tournament and they maintained their good run, putting on 41 in 4.2 overs.

William Porterfield hit 20 in 16 balls before he was caught by Burger off Louis Klazinga.

Paul Stirling carried Ireland home by hammering 59 in 32 balls while Ed Joyce was unbeaten on 12.

Ireland join Afghanistan in qualifying for the tournament and the two sides meet in the qualifying event final later on.

© Cricket World 2012