Cricket: Ireland completed a remarkable comeback to defeat Kenya by an innings and 65 runs to reach the final of the InterContinental Cup today.
"That was right up there in terms of performance with our fightback win over Namibia last week," said Ireland skipper William Porterfield.
"It was a different type of pressure this time around. We batted superbly to post such a huge total and were able to set attacking fields and experiment from then on.
"I thought the bowlers stuck to their task, and it was good for me to have so many options, offering a different kind of challenge to the Kenyan batsmen. They made it tough for us, but we got there, and we're all justifiably proud of our achievements.
"I don't think many teams could have won away from home twice in African conditions with so much at stake," added Porterfield.
Resuming the final day on 146 for 2, Kenya lost the crucial wicket of Steve Tikolo, who was caught and bowled by Trent Johnston for 47 with just 13 runs added.
Regan West then had Maurice Ouma caught close in by Alex Cusack for just a single with the total on 164 as the Ireland continued to apply the pressure.
Moments later debutant Seren Waters was out for 75 without any further runs added when Porterfield made the easiest of catches.
Thomas Odoyo and Rakep Patel put up a tremendous rearguard action in the middle order, adding 74 for the sixth wicket. However, opening bowler Boyd Rankin made a crucial breakthough, coming around the wicket before Patel was caught by keeper Niall O' Brien for 32.
Ireland still had to work hard, as Odoyo found another willing ally in Jimmy Kamande, who added a further 56 in 21 overs, before Odoyo edged West to Andre Botha at slip. Odoyo scored 61 from 168 balls, including four boundaries.
The introduction of Botha into the attack produced immediate dividends, as he removed both Hiren Varaiya and Lameck Onyango in quick succession to leave Ireland on the brink of victory.
With just over 20 minutes remaining in the day, the Kenyan resistance was finally broken as Peter Ongondo was trapped lbw by West for four, with their final total being 327 all out from 135.5 overs.
Kamande was left stranded on a brave 42 not out, which came in 142 deliveries and contained seven boundaries. The wicket takers for Ireland were Johnston (4-43), West (3-81), Botha (2-5), and Rankin (1-49).
The final against Namibia will take place in Port Elizabeth from October 30th- November 3rd.
"That was some result on a wicket that gave the bowlers very little help," said Ireland vice captain Kyle McCallan. "Strangely enough, it played better in the second innings than it did in the first. It was certainly a very tiring few days for us in the field, but the result makes it all worthwhile. I'm looking forward to playing in another final."
Meanwhile the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the 2009 World Cup qualifiers will be switched from the United Arab Emirates to South Africa, subject to acceptance by South African Board.
The Emirates Cricket Board were appointed hosts for the event but they wrote to the ICC stating it would be unable to stage the tournament in April 2009 because not all venues required would be ready in time.