 Kyle McCallan is struggling to be fit for Ireland's opening qualifier |
Ireland eased to a six-wicket win over Afghanistan in their latest warm-up game ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. Regan West, a replacement after Kyle McCallan failed a fitness test, claimed four wickets as Afghanistan were skittled out for 86 in the 34th over. Ireland lost William Porterfield and Gary Wilson early on before reaching the target in the 23rd over. McCallan and Andre Botha are both fitness doubts for Ireland's opening qualifier against Scotland next week. Irish vice-captain McCallan is troubled by a chest injury while Botha is also said by a "serious doubt" for next Wednesday's game. West produced figures of 4-11 while Peter Connell (3-24), Trent Johnston (2-21) and Alex Cusack (1-12) claimed the other wickets. Irish captain Porterfield (7) and Wilson (10) departed cheaply as Ireland slipped to 25-2. Eoin Morgan contributed 13 before losing his wicket while Andrew White was dismissed for 17 before a Kevin O'Brien boundary sealed Ireland's win. Clontarf all-rounder Andrew Poynter finished unbeaten on 38 to further stake his claim for a starting place next week. On Wednesday, the Irish suffered a seven-wicket defeat by Zimbabwe 'A' in South Africa after collapsing to 118 all out. Only Surrey wicket-keeper Gary Wilson (56) and Andrew White (12) got into double figures in the Irish innings on Wedbesday. Mbekezele Mabuza hit an unbeaten 46 and Cephas Zhuwawo blasted a quick 45 as Zimbabwe cruised to 120-3 in 28 overs. Ireland lost by a wicket in Sunday's opener against an Eastern Province XI.
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