Irish bounce back to beat Kenya in World Twenty20 qualifiers

Ireland bounced back from their opening-day defeat by Namibia at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier by earning a 10-wicket victory over Kenya.

The pre-tournament favourites dismissed the Kenyans for 71 in the 19th over in Wednesday's contest in Dubai.

Captain William Porterfield's 56 from 27 balls helped the Irish past the paltry total after only 7.2 overs.

Boyd Rankin took three wickets with Alex Cusack, John Mooney and George Dockrell claiming two dismissals each.

Kenya won the toss but lost both openers to Rankin inside three overs.

The paceman also accounted for skipper Collins Obuya in figures of three for 20.

Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, with only Tanmay Mishra [28] reaching double figures.

With Cusack, Mooney and Dockrell all picking up two wickets, the innings was rounded up with an over to spare.

Ireland's reply was emphatic with Porterfield dominating the bowling and Paul Stirling chipping in with an unbeaten 15.

Porterfield hit eight fours and two sixes in his 27 balls.

The other nations in Ireland's group are Namibia, Italy, USA, Scotland, Uganda and Oman, with the top three reaching the play-off stages.

Just two countries will progress from the 12-day tournament in the United Arab Emirates to September's main event in Sri Lanka.

The Irish team have reached the past two ICC World Twenty20s, in England in 2009 and the West Indies in 2010.

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 v Italy

Friday 16 March - Ireland v USA

Sunday 18 March - Ireland v Scotland

Monday 19 March - Ireland v Uganda

Tuesday 20 March - Ireland v Oman