Ireland easily defeats Jersey in the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier

By : Adeel Khursheed

Ireland returned to the top of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier standings after a nine-wicket victory over Jersey, thanks to Paul Stirling.

Hours after rivals Scotland defeated Italy by 155 runs to maintain their perfect record in the tournament, skipper Stirling secured the victory with a six over midwicket after a superb bowling display had limited the Channel Islanders to 78 for nine.

Ireland won their fourth consecutive match despite the loss of starter Andrew Balbirnie after 62 balls.

After putting Jersey in at the Goldenacre Cricket Ground in Edinburgh, Ireland quickly imposed themselves, with Josh Little dismissing both Julius Sumerauer and Nick Greenwood in his first over and then safely scooping a top edge from Harrison Carlyon off Mark Adair’s bowling to reduce them to 14 for three.

As Jersey slumped to 25 for five halfway through the seventh over, Barry McCarthy tempted Jonty Jenner and Ben Ward into ill-advised attempts to get the scoreboard ticking, and leg spinner Ben White did much the same to dismiss Josh Lawrenson and then the counter-punching Asa Tribe – the only man to make double figures – for 26 to make it 56 for seven.

In the end, they used up their whole allocation, with McCarthy’s three-for-seven return the most noteworthy contribution with the ball, but despite Ward bowling Balbirnie for 25, Ireland cruised home.

SUMMARY OF THE MATCH

Jersey vs. Ireland, ICC T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, 24 July 2023, Goldenacre Sports Ground, Edinburgh, Scotland

Jersey won by a score of 78-9 (20 overs; A Tribe 26, Z Tribe 8; B McCarthy 3-7).

Ireland won by a score of 80-1 (10.2 overs; P Stirling 35*, A Balbirnie 25; B Ward 1-23).

Ireland triumphed by 9 wickets.

About The Author

Reply