Ireland beat Netherlands in World Twenty20 qualifying

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Kevin O'Brien of Ireland
Image caption,

Kevin O'Brien hit three sixes in his unbeaten 30

ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, Dubai:

Ireland 115-3 (16.4 overs) beat Netherlands 114-7 (20 overs) by 7 wickets

Ireland are a game away from qualifying for the World Twenty20 after beating the Netherlands by seven wickets.

The Irish now play Namibia on Saturday and victory will see them go into the final against Afghanistan.

William Porterfield's men enjoyed their second comfortable win in as many days as they made the Dutch target of 114-7 with 20 balls to spare.

Kevin O'Brien was the star, claiming 2-17, before completing the chase with an unbeaten 30 from 22 balls.

Ireland's bowlers had set up Thursday's 10-wicket win over Canada and after Porterfield again opted to field first, they put their team in charge with some stifling bowling.

Only Alexei Kervezee was able to break the shackles, hitting 56 from 48 balls, with Tom Cooper (28) the other batsman to reach double figures.

Opener Paul Stirling then made sure there were no slip-ups in the chase as he made 33 from 26 balls before O'Brien finished off the job alongside Ed Joyce (25 not out).

The winners between Ireland and Namibia will earn a place in the ICC qualifying tournament final against Afghanistan, as well as a place at the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September and October.

Ireland's ICC World Twenty20 qualification Pool B results & 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 United States by 64 runs

Sunday 18 March - Ireland beat Scotland by 17 runs

Monday 19 March - Ireland beat Uganda by 82 runs

Tuesday 20 March - Ireland beat Oman by 44 runs

Thursday 22 March - Ireland beat Canada by 10 wickets

Friday 23 March - Ireland v Netherlands

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