Slow pitch threatens to deny Irish victory in Nairobi

IRELAND will fully deserve a celebratory drink in Nairobi tonight if they can somehow beat both Kenya and a heartbreaker of a pitch to reach the InterContinental Cup final.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons has introduced an alcohol ban for players during matches, but if ever there was a surface to turn a bowler to drink it is this one at the Gymkhana Club.

A mighty effort in the first two sessions saw Ireland dismiss their opponents for 186 and ask them to follow on nearly 400 in arrears — but steady batting in the final session from Steve Tikolo and Sean Waters left the national side still eight wickets away from victory.