Ireland secure comfortable win over USA in ICC World Twenty20 qualifier

Boyd Rankin took four wickets for nine runs against USA

Ireland comfortably saw off the USA by 64 runs in their latest ICC World Twenty20 Pool B qualifier in Dubai.

Having won the toss, Ireland opted to bat first and made 160-6 off their 20 overs, with Kevin O'Brien scoring 47 and Ed Joyce 46.

Elmore Hutchison took 3 for 22 and Abhimanyu Rajp 2-24.

The USA were 96 all out off 18 overs in reply, Hutchison scoring 28 and Steven Taylor 23. Boyd Rankin ended with outstanding bowling figures of 4-9.

Andrew White took 2-13 and Trent Johnston 2-38.

Paul Stirling claimed one USA wicket, and one batsman was run out.

Ireland made a shaky start to their innings, with opening batsman William Porterfield dismissed for four, then Stirling falling for 17.

Alex Cusack was out first ball for a duck, leaving the Irish on 32-3, but a partnership of 86 between Joyce and O'Brien saw them get back on track.

Ireland had lost their opening match against Namibia, but have now beaten Kenya, Italy and USA.

Their remaining pool fixtures are against Scotland, Uganda and Oman, as they aim for a place at September's main event in Sri Lanka.

Ireland's ICC World Twenty20 qualification Pool B fixtures

Tuesday 13 March - Ireland lost to Namibia by four runs

Wednesday 14 March - Ireland beat Kenya by 10 wickets

Thursday 15 March - Ireland beat Italy by two wickets

Friday 16 March - Ireland beat USA by 64 runs

Sunday 18 March - Ireland v Scotland

Monday 19 March - Ireland v Uganda

Tuesday 20 March - Ireland v Oman