Ireland steamroll Namibia

Ireland booked their spot at the Twenty20 World Cup for the second time running with an emphatic nine-wicket victory over Namibia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium yesterday. After Afghanistan qualified on Thursday, it was Ireland's turn to grab a spot in Sri Lanka and they did so in style. After restricting Namibia to 94 for six through a tight bowling spell led by Max Sorensen, Ireland won the match off the first ball of the 11th over with opener Paul Stirling cracking an unbeaten 59 off just 32 balls including nine fours and a six. It was sweet revenge for Ireland, who had lost to Namibia by four runs earlier in the tournament. Namibia won the toss and elected to bat. Trent Johnston bowled an immaculate line and length from the start. The 37-year-old trapped Raymond van Schoor, the second highest scorer of the tournament, leg before for just a single. Louis van der Westhuizen hit Johnston over extra cover for a well-timed six but fell to the very next ball, offering an easy catch to Andrew White at mid-wicket for 14. With both openers back in the pavilion for 19 runs in 4.3 overs, Ireland struck again when skipper Will Porterfield brilliantly caught Craig Williams at extra cover for three off the bowling of Sorensen. Gerrie Snyman and Namibia captain Sarel Burger took the score to 50 before Boyd Rankin struck, Snyman top edging to George Dockrell. Next man Nicholaas Scholtz went for one, offering an easy catch to Ed Joyce off Stirling. Burger offered Joyce his second catch off Sorensen shortly afterwards. Ian Opperman's fighting 26 not out boosted the Namibans late on. Ireland openers Porterfield and Stirling provided a breezy start, putting on 41 in 4.2 overs. Louis Kalzinga provided the breakthrough, getting Porterfield caught by Burger at mid-wicket for 20. But Stirling ensured the victory. Ireland took on Afghanistan in the final of the competition late last night. Brief Scores Ireland bt Namibia by nine wickets. Namibia 94 for 6 in 20 overs (Sarel Burger 20, Ian Opperman 26n.o., Trent Johnston 2 for 19, Max Sorensen 2 for 8) Ireland 96 for 1 in 10.1 overs (William Porterfield 20, Paul Stirling 59 n.o.). Man of the Match: Max Sorensen.