Alex Cusack was in superb form with the ball in Rotterdam

A five-wicket haul from Alex Cusack helped Ireland to a 39-runs victory over Afghanistan in the World Cricket League Division 1 match in Rotterdam.

Andrew Poynter hit 78 as the Irish scored 237 on Saturday but rain meant the Afghans had to bat on Sunday.

The Afghans reached 32 before losing their first wicket but they struggled and Shabir Noori top-scored with 38.

Cusack took 5-20 while Andrew White (2), George Dockrell, Kevin O'Brien and Trent Johnston also claimed wickets.

Ireland won the toss and made 237-9 off their 50 overs, with Kevin O'Brien 44 and Trent Johnston 42 joining Poynter in making valuable contributions.

Hamid Hassan took 3-44 while Khaliq Noori bagged two wickets and Shahpoor Zadran, Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shenwari claimed one wicket apiece.

Play was abandoned for on Saturday at 1700 BST because of the rain.

Ireland have won their first two games after comfortably defeating Kenya by seven wickets in their opener in the Netherlands.

The Irish are without skipper William Porterfield, Niall O'Brien, Boyd Rankin and Gary Wilson because of their English county commitments.

Injured Andre Botha is also out for Ireland who are being captained by Johnston.

The Irish are playing six matches in Holland as they aim to retain their position as the top associate nation.

Ireland won last year's competition which also doubled as the qualifier for the 2011 ICC World Cup.

The Irish next face games against Scotland (Monday), Canada (7 July) and Holland (9 July) before their final play-off match on 10 July.

Ireland's match schedule

Thursday 1 July - beat Kenya by seven wickets

Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 July - beat Afghanistan by 39 runs

Monday 5 July - v Scotland, Voorburg

Wednesday 7 July - v Canada, Amstelveen

Friday 9 July - v Netherlands, Amstelveen

Saturday 10 July - Play-off (venue, opponent tbc)

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version