Ireland gave the United States of America (USA) a 64 runs dressing down in a Group B match in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012 at the ICC GCA Oval 2, Dubai Sports City, on Friday.
Boyd Rankin figures of 4-1-9-4 sent USA packing. Photo: ICC
In front of a decent Irish crowd, including Kevin O’Brien’s parents, William Porterfield’s side rattled up 160 for five and then sent the Americans packing for a modest 96 in 18 overs.
This was Ireland’s third straight victory after it suffered a surprise loss to Namibia in the tournament opener on Tuesday. For USA, it was its fourth successive defeat.
Ireland, winning the toss and batting first, was itself in some sort of a bother when it was reduced to 32 for three before O’Brien and Ed Joyce got together and put on 86 runs in less than 11 overs.
The partnership ended with the dismissal of O’Brien, hero of Ireland’s victory over England in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in Bengaluru, after scored 47 that came off 36 balls and included two fours and two sixes.
Joyce followed O’Brien 17 runs later after scoring a good 46 off 47 balls with three fours. At that stage, Gary Wilson (19) and John Mooney (12 not out) got together and ensured the Irish side finished strongly at 160 for six.
In turn, the USA found fast bowler Boyd Rankin too hot to handle and was bowled out for 96 in 18 overs. Only opener Steven Taylor (23) and No.9 batsman Hutchinson, who followed up his three wickets with a 29 off 33 balls, managed to reach double figures.
Man of the match Rankin returned figures of 4-1-9-4 while Andrew White chipped in with two for 13 and Trent Johnston bagged two for 38.
Summary
Ireland beat the USA by 64 runs at ICC GCA Oval 2, Dubai Sports City
Ireland 160-6, 20 overs (Kevin O’Brien 47, Ed Joyce 46; Elmore Hutchinson 3-22, Abhimanyu Rajp 2-24)
USA 96 all out, 18 overs (Steven Taylor 23; Boyd Rankin 4-9, Trent Johnston 2-38)
Man of the match Boyd Rankin (Ireland)