Netherlands crush Bermuda to seal clinical victory

Ireland vs. Nigeria

Ireland effectively sealed their progression to the playoffs of the T20 World Cup qualifiers with a comprehensive beatdown of Nigeria at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (October 26). Craig Young claimed 4 for 13 and Mark Adair added another two wickets as Nigeria were kept down to 66/9 in 20 overs, a target Ireland hunted down in 6.1 overs, greatly plumping up their Net Run-Rate at the top of the Group B table (position subject to Oman's game).

Nigeria's decision to bat first turned out to be cataclysmic as openers Daniel Ajekun and Sulaimon Runsewe fell cheaply, the latter getting run-out. Chimezie Onwuzulike's attempts to hold one end meant at the half way stage of their innings, Nigeria were 33 for 4. This was before Young began his hoodwink job. In his second over, he cleaned up Onwuzulike. Young was kept off the attack between overs 11 and 16. But when he returned, he bowled Issac Okpe and Slyvester Okpe to finish with a four-fer.

Kevin O'Brien then made short work of the 67-run chase by blasting six fours in his 17-ball 32. Despite losing two wickets, Ireland cruised to the target a ball after the PowerPlay. Nigeria, who are one of only two winless teams in the competition (Bermuda being the other) can earn a consolation victory if they beat Hong Kong in their final fixture on Sunday.