CRICKET/World Cup qualifier:Ireland took a step closer to qualifying for the 2011 world Cup with a straightforward six-wicket victory over Uganda in Krugersdorp, South Africa today.
It made it three wins from three for Phil Simmons’s side as they booked their place in the Super Eights stage of the competition with two Group A games still to play.
Having won the toss and batted Uganda were bowled out for 155 in the 45th over, with spin again the key for Ireland as Andy White finished with four wickets for 22 runs from 10 overs with, his best international figures on his 125th appearance.
Boyd Rankin claimed two scalps, while there was a wicket each for Alex Cusack, Kevin O’Brien and Regan West.
Ireland’s openers again raced out of the traps and had made it to 68 in the 12th over before skipper William Porterfield fell for 44. Fellow opener Gary Wilson would go on to make a half-century before departing for 61. Niall O’Brien (24 not out) helped see Ireland home alongside younger brother Kevin, who hit a six off the second ball he faced to wrap up proceedings with 19 overs to spare.
Ireland will now take on Canada on Monday in a game that looks like deciding who wins Group A and takes the vital points into the second stage of the competition.
SCORES
Uganda 155 (44.2 ovs)(J Kwebiha 51, J Olweny 40; A White 4-22, B Rankin 2-43),
Ireland 160-4(31 ovs) (G Wilson 61, W Porterfield 44, N O'Brien 24no). Ireland won by 6 wkts.
