Ireland secure 4-wicket victory over Scotland
A new-look Ireland side put in a confident performance in cruising to a 4-wicket win over Scotland in the T20I Tri-Series at Malahide Cricket Club today.
Scottish captain Kyle Coetzer won the toss and chose to bat first under sunny skies. Ireland had two debutants, 19-year old batter Harry Tector and 21-year old fast-bowler David Delany both received their caps from Alan Lewis, the former Irish international captain and Andrew Poynter, the former Irish international respectively.
The opening pair of Coetzer and George Munsey were looking to follow up there double-hundred stand against Netherlands yesterday, but on 10 it was Coetzer who fell first, clean bowled by Boyd Rankin. Rankin claimed 3-29 from his four overs, and led the attack with a display of line and length that the Scots found difficult to get away.A great moment for @DelanyDavid As he receives his first cap from former international @AndrewPoynter25. #BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/DDmDnsBEh4
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) September 17, 2019
And there goes @GeorgeMunsey - out for 34, Scotland now 50-2 in the 5th over. #BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/ZqxpIXdlvE
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) September 17, 2019
Leg-spinner Gareth Delany acquitted himself well despite the Scottish batsmen looking to score quickly, and finished with 2-31, including a diving caught and bowled dismissal late on.
Calum MacLeod top scored for the visitors with a rapid 72 from 42 balls but on a ground that saw Scotland post 252 yesterday, their total of 193/7 always looked under-par.
In response, Ireland’s openers Kevin O’Brien (17 from 9 balls) and Gareth Delany (52 from 28 balls) posted an opening stand of 57 from just 25 balls. Delany went on to hit his maiden international half-century in only his third T20I.
Andy Balbirnie continued to pile on the runs, with a big-hitting 64 from 32 balls, an innings that included three maximums, and despite a few late wickets the Irish side cruised to victory with 14 balls to spare – Mark Adair smashing the last ball to the long-off boundary to complete the run chase.
Ireland lead the table at the halfway mark. The next match in the T20I Tri-Series is between Ireland and Netherlands tomorrow at 1.30pm, with a livestream broadcast available via Cricket Ireland’s Youtube channel.FIFTY for @balbo90 from 26 balls! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/HsPP7Uemfq
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) September 17, 2019
