Mark Adair and Fionn Hand played pivotal roles as Ireland Men clinched a thrilling one-run victory over the Netherlands in their opening match of the tri-series on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, Ireland set a target of 151 runs for the Netherlands. Adair’s blistering knock of 49 runs from just 24 balls, embellished with seven fours and two sixes, propelled Ireland to 150-8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Hand then showcased his bowling prowess, wreaking havoc with figures of 3-18, including the crucial wickets of Bas de Leede and Teja Nidamanuru in a decisive 16th over.
Despite a valiant effort from Tim Pringle (35* off 13 balls), Netherlands found themselves needing 20 runs from the final over and three off the last ball. However, Adair’s nerve held firm, ensuring Ireland emerged victorious as Pringle could only manage a single.
The nail-biting encounter followed Netherlands’ triumph over Scotland in the series opener, highlighting the significance of these matches in the lead-up to the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. With qualification for the 2026 event at stake, every game holds immense importance, with Ireland, Scotland, and Netherlands vying for top positions.
The Irish innings witnessed a rocky start, losing key wickets early on, but Lorcan Tucker’s resilient 40-run knock steadied the ship. Gareth Delany’s unbeaten 18 and Adair’s late surge ensured Ireland posted a competitive total.
In response, Netherlands began steadily but were pegged back by Curtis Campher’s breakthroughs. Hand’s remarkable spell tilted the scales in Ireland’s favor, despite Pringle’s late onslaught.
With momentum on their side, Ireland looks forward to their next encounter against Scotland at the same venue on Monday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum in the tri-series.
Mark Adair and Fionn Hand played pivotal roles as Ireland Men clinched a thrilling one-run victory over the Netherlands in their opening match of the tri-series on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, Ireland set a target of 151 runs for the Netherlands. Adair’s blistering knock of 49 runs from just 24 balls, embellished with seven fours and two sixes, propelled Ireland to 150-8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Hand then showcased his bowling prowess, wreaking havoc with figures of 3-18, including the crucial wickets of Bas de Leede and Teja Nidamanuru in a decisive 16th over.
Despite a valiant effort from Tim Pringle (35* off 13 balls), Netherlands found themselves needing 20 runs from the final over and three off the last ball. However, Adair’s nerve held firm, ensuring Ireland emerged victorious as Pringle could only manage a single.
The nail-biting encounter followed Netherlands’ triumph over Scotland in the series opener, highlighting the significance of these matches in the lead-up to the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. With qualification for the 2026 event at stake, every game holds immense importance, with Ireland, Scotland, and Netherlands vying for top positions.
The Irish innings witnessed a rocky start, losing key wickets early on, but Lorcan Tucker’s resilient 40-run knock steadied the ship. Gareth Delany’s unbeaten 18 and Adair’s late surge ensured Ireland posted a competitive total.
In response, Netherlands began steadily but were pegged back by Curtis Campher’s breakthroughs. Hand’s remarkable spell tilted the scales in Ireland’s favor, despite Pringle’s late onslaught.
With momentum on their side, Ireland looks forward to their next encounter against Scotland at the same venue on Monday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum in the tri-series.
