Kenya crushed by resurgent Ireland

IRELAND bounced back from their first-day defeat at the ICC World Twenty20 qualifying tournament in Dubai with a ten-wicket victory over Kenya.

The favourites for the tournament were shocked by southern African minnows Namibia on day one but never looked in danger against Kenya, who they bowled out for 71.

Irish captain Will Porterfield then scored an aggressive 56 not out to lead the successful run chase.

Kenya won the toss but were left regretting the decision to bat first as they lost both openers to seamer Boyd Rankin inside three overs. The Warwickshire paceman also accounted for Kenyan skipper Collins Obuya in figures of three for 20.

Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, with only Tanmay Mishra (28) reaching double figures.

Alex Cusack, John Mooney and George Dockrell each 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 in the unbeaten opening stand.

Porterfield faced 27 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes, as Ireland crossed the line after only 7.2 overs.