Ireland beat Kenya by two runs in T20

Cricket: A nerveless final over from John Mooney secured Ireland a two-run win over Kenya and a 3-0 success in the Twenty20 …

Cricket:A nerveless final over from John Mooney secured Ireland a two-run win over Kenya and a 3-0 success in the Twenty20 series. Having made a modest 107 for nine, Ireland started well in the field only for Collins Obuya (42) and Tanmay Mishra (37) to give the hosts a chance. Seven were needed off the last over and Mooney conceded just four, as well as taking a wicket.

Ireland’s innings started in the worst possible fashion, with Paul Stirling run out off the first ball of the day without facing. Only Gary Wilson, with 32 off 38 balls, and Ed Joyce, who scored 38 off 46, reached double figures as Shem Ngoche returned four wickets for 14 runs.

Tailender Boyd Rankin (seven not out) nudged the side past three figures but the total looked a small one. Ranking and George Dockrell — who was superb with two for 13 in four overs — each struck with the new ball to leave Kenya six for two before Obuya and Mishra added 53 runs for the third wicket.

Rankin returned to clean bowl Obuya and Andrew White accounted for Mishra to set up the tense finale. Mooney removed Alex Obanda with the third ball of the 20th over and, with three needed for the win and two for the tie, delivered a dot ball to secure victory.