Pietersen’s class bowls over Ireland

THE quality of Kevin Pietersen shone through the gloom of Southampton yesterday to ease Hampshire to an eight-wicket victory over Ireland.

It had seemed a combination of bad weather and a bold decision by skipper Trent Johnston would deliver Ireland’s first win of the Friends Provident campaign.

After Johnston had backed up his gamble to bat with a rip-roaring personal half-century to take Ireland to 221 for six, a lengthy rain delay left the home side needing a revised target of 175 to win from 29 overs.