Ireland keep T20 World Cup hopes alive after thrilling defeat of Scotland
Ireland’s Curtis Campher and George Dockrell combined in an unbroken 119-run stand to take their side to an unlikely six-wicket win over Scotland in the T20 World Cup win in Hobart and keep them in the hunt to qualify for the Super 12 phase.
The Irish looked headed for a second straight defeat in Group B when they were reduced to 61 for four in the 10th over chasing a daunting 177-run target to stay alive in the tournament, before Campher and Dockrell came together at the crease.
Campher, who also picked up two wickets for nine runs with the ball, smashed an unbeaten 72 off 32 balls while Dockrell stayed for 39 not out as Ireland turned the match on its head to bring up victory with an over to spare.
“It was pretty special, I can’t remember as important a partnership as that,” said the Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie, whose side badly needed the points after kicking off their campaign with defeat by Zimbabwe. “All year we’ve played pretty good cricket and games we’ve been out of, we’ve been throwing punches. To get over the line with a punch thrown is great. It was a special knock from Curtis and from George as well.
“I’m delighted and hope we can take that momentum into Friday [against the West Indies]. We started the tournament pretty disappointingly, it got away from us in the first innings here and at the start of the second, so to drag it back was very important for us.”
Quick Guide Pakistan could boycott 50-over World Cup Show Pakistan could boycott next year's 50-over World Cup in retaliation for Indian attempts to scupper their rivals' status as hosts of the Asia Cup. Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and also president of the Asian Cricket Council, told reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday that his country would not travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asian Cup due to ongoing political tensions between the nations. He also took it upon himself to float the idea of staging the competition away from Pakistan - an idea that has gone down predictably badly with the hosts. A terse statement has followed, complete with a threat to undermine the 2023 World Cup which is due to take place on Indian soil. "The PCB has noted with surprise and disappointment yesterday's comments made by the ACC President Mr Jay Shah with regards to shifting of next year's Asia Cup to a neutral venue," it read. "The comments were made without any discussion or consultation with the Board of the Asian Cricket Council or the Pakistan Cricket Board and without any thoughts towards their long-term consequences and implications. "This is contrary to the philosophy and spirit for which the Asian Cricket Council was formed in September 1983 - a united Asian cricket body to safeguard the interests of its Members and organise, develop and promote the game of cricket in Asia. "The overall impact of such statements have the potential to split the Asian and international cricketing communities, and can impact Pakistan's visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC Events in India in the 2024-2031 cycle." Pakistan and India have not played each other in a bilateral series since 2013 but do face off at global events, including a scheduled game at the T20 World Cup on Sunday. PA Media Was this helpful? Thank you for your feedback.
A sparkling 86 from opener Michael Jones helped Scotland post 176 for five after they won the toss and chose to bat first. After humbling two-time champions West Indies in their opening match, Scotland made a shaky start, but a 77-run third-wicket stand between Jones and captain Richie Berrington helped them lay the foundation.
Jones hit six fours and four sixes in his 55-ball knock, while Berrington made 37 to lay the foundation for the late assault which fetched the Scots 54 runs in the last five overs.
In the day’s second match, West Indies resurrected their campaign with a win against Zimbabwe. Alzarri Joseph starred with four cheap wickets to set up a grandstand finish in Group B. Having lost their opening match, West Indies posted 153 for seven then skittled their opponents for 122 in Hobart to leave all four teams on one win heading into the last round of fixtures.
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