Kevin O'Brien's brilliant innings proved in vain for Ireland

Ireland coach Adrian Birrell admits he faces a tough job lifting his players after Friday's depressing World League defeat to Kenya in Nairobi.

"It will be difficult to get up for the rest of the matches, knowing we are out of the tournament," said Birrell ahead of Sunday's match against Canada.

After scoring 284-4, Ireland seemed set for victory when they reduced the hosts to 231-9 in the 44th over.

But Kenya put on 55 for the final wicket to claim an unlikely win.

It was Thomas Odoyo who swung the match Kenya's way, going on the rampage to hit an unbeaten 61 and end Ireland's League hopes.

Kevin O'Brien hit a superb 143 while William Porterfield struck 104 not out.

O'Brien's knock came from 125 ball and included six sixes.

The duo's partnership of 227 for the fourth wicket was the second best in Ireland's international history.

Jeremy Bray and Niall O'Brien put on 304 in a game against the United Arab Emirates in October 2005.

It was Porterfield's second successive century after his unbeaten 112 in Wednesday's win over Bermuda.

William Porterfield (right) hit his second successive century

However despite the two superb centuries, the main memory from the game will be the incredible manner of Ireland's defeat.

With four overs remaining, Kenya needed 41 to win but Odoyo's huge six off Kevin O'Brien gave the hosts hope as the Irish began to feel the pressure.

Andre Botha conceded eight more runs in the 48th over but the real damage was done in the crucial 49th over when Dave Langford-Smith came in for some fearful punishment.

At the start of the over, Kenya required 19 runs to win but the experienced Odoyo hit two sixes and two fours in four dramatic balls to end the contest and leave the Irish shellshocked.

Earlier, the Kenyans had struggled to match the required run rate and victory seemed a formality for the Irish when they had reduced the hosts to 231-9.

By that stage both Kyle McCallan and Andre Botha had claimed four wickets each for the visitors.

Nehemiah Odhiambo was Kenyan's top scorer on 66 followed by Odoyo's match-winning knock.

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The defeat leaves Ireland's World League campaign handing by a thread after their reverse against Scotland earlier this week.

The Scots remained unbeaten on Friday by edging out Holland by two runs in an exciting game.