Ireland home in large chase

An unbeaten century from William Porterfield has seen Ireland to a four wicket win against Bermuda in the 4th match of the ICC World Cricket League. Despite posting a sizable total of 275 after being sent in, the Bermuda bowlers struggled throughout and made tough work of the defence. A high extras count was particularly punishing, along with Porterfield’s batting.

Ireland struggled even more with extras during the Bermuda innings, bowling no less than 25 wides in their 50 overs in the field. A number of batsmen got starts for Bermuda, with ‘keeper Minors anchoring the innings with 51 from 105 deliveries. Lionel Cann and David Hemp then used the platform set by the top order and accelerated in the late overs, ensuring a strong total.

Things didn’t go so well for Bermuda in the field, with only Dwayne Leverock managing to keep the runs under control. He picked up 2-34 from his 10 overs, but his partners were invariably expensive. Porterfield recieved support in several key partnerships, particularly from Niall and Kevin O’Brien in the middle overs. Despite a flurry of wickets after Kevin’s dismissal, Ireland captain Trent Johnson managed 13 from just four deliveries with a pair of sixes to finish off the chase. Porterfield remained unbeaten on 112.

The ICC World Cricket League continues on Friday with two more matches.

Bermuda 275-8 (50)
Clay Smith 52 (49), Dean Minors 51 (105)
Andre Botha 3-73 (10), Kevin O’Brien 2-38 (8)

Ireland win by 4 wickets.

Ireland 276-6 (48.4)
William Porterfield 112* (141), Kevin O’Brien 54 (56)
Dwayne Leverock 2-34 (10), Delyone Borden 2-58 (8)

CricketWeb Man of the Match
William Porterfield – 112 not out