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William Porterfield makes a catch to dismiss Stephen Myburgh of The Netherlands. ©INPHO/ICC
Nearly there

One step closer: Ireland set up T20 shootout against Namibia

Ireland are one win away from a place at the T20 World Cup after they beat the Netherlands by seven wickets this morning.

Ireland (115/3, 16.4 overs) beat the Netherlands (114/7) by seven wickets

IRELAND BEAT THE Netherlands by seven wickets in Dubai this morning, setting up a make-or-break qualification shootout against the only side to beat them so far at the World T20 qualifiers, Namibia.

Ireland continued where they left off following yesterday’s convincing display against Canada, and the Irish bowlers laid the foundations after they won the toss and put the Netherlands in to bat first.

Alexei Kervezee scored a team-high 56 before he was caught and bowled by George Dockrell late on, but with a run rate of less than six, the Dutch could only set a modest target of 115 for the Irish to chase.

Paul Stirling continued his fine form with 33 runs before man of the match Kevin O’Brien closed out the chase with 30 not out, as Ireland wrapped up the win with 20 balls to spare.

Phil Simmons’ men now have a chance to avenge their sole defeat when they meet Namibia tomorrow to play off for the final place at September’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

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