US pay as Joyce hits form

Ireland hammered the United States by 64 runs to win their third match in a rowat the ICC World Twenty20 qualifier in Dubai.

Having been shocked by Namibia on the first day, they have hit their stride andyesterday scored 160 before bowling their opponents out for just 96 with two oversto spare.

Ed Joyce, with a busy 46 in 47 balls, ended a barren run so far and big hitterKevin O’Brien struck two fours and two sixes in a quick-fire 47.

John Mooney also cleared the ropes in an unbeaten late cameo worth 12 and thein-form Gary Wilson managed 19 fro the 10 deliveries he faced.

Elmore Hutchinson kept the USA afloat with tidy figures of three for 22.

However, Boyd Rankin blew away their chances of a meaningful response withoutstanding figures of four for nine in his four-over allocation.

Andrew White and Trent Johnston hoovered up two wickets apiece in support,while Hutchinson again spared his side’s blushes — top-scoring from number ninewith 29.