Irish book World Twenty20 spot

IRELAND became the first team to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 2009 in England when they laboured to a four-wicket victory against Kenya in the first semi-final of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier at Stormont yesterday.

After taking the hardest possible road to the semi-finals, thanks to a last-gasp win over Bermuda on Sunday, Ireland bowled beautifully to knock the second-seeded African side over for 67 in 17.2 overs. But the home team’s batsmen made heavy weather of the small target before achieving success with five balls to spare.

Ireland were cruising nicely at 41-2 in 11.3 overs before it lost three wickets in six balls to slump to 44-5 which soon became 49-6 in 15.4 overs. At that stage, Kevin O’Brien (17 not out) played a little gem of an innings to ensure the second-seeded team avoids an upset.