Ireland,Netherlands script happy ending in run fest

“Stirling is the future of Ireland cricket,” said Niall O’Brien who remained unbeaten on 57 to see his team through.

The morning session,however,belonged to a man who would make this venue his home two weeks down the line when he plays for KKR in the IPL. Ryan ten Doeschate came to bat after Netherlands,put in by Porterfield,lost two quick wickets. About three hours later when he departed,he had a second World Cup century against his name.

It was not easy early on before the heat took the sting out of the wicket and deflated the bowlers. Boyd Ranking and Trent Johnston were relentless in their attack. Eric Szwarczynski,Tom Cooper and Alexei Kervezee got out cheaply. But ten Doeschate – who has ensured Netherlands return home with many a positives in the kitty — wrested back the initiative.

Having played his early cricket in South Africa,ten Doeschate was strong playing off his backfoot. He punished everything that was pitched short. And when the bowlers pitched up,he placed them into the gaps. His fifth ODI hundred – 106 in 108 balls – was one of his better efforts.

Credit must to be given to Wesley Barresi as well who after being hit on his head by a Kevin O’Brien throw had to retire hurt. But he came back to score 44 off 49 balls and shared a 60-run stand with ten Doeschate for the fourth wicket. But it was the 121-run partnership (109 balls) between the centurion and his captain Peter Borren which set up the platform for a 300-plus total. Borren made 84 off 82.

Dockrell blow

Ireland suffered a blow during their bowling when left-arm spinner George Dockrell dislocated his shoulder in an attempt to stop a single on his follow through. The Irish bowling suffered in his absence,but as against England,here also Porterfield’s men showed they were not intimidated by any target.

Overall,both sides gave a good account of themselves in an entertaining match in which more than 600 runs were scored on a good batting wicket.

About 15,000 people who bothered to turn up got their money’s worth. It was not easy to play with full intensity in their final group league game given the way this tournament had panned out for them. The adulation that the Irish received during their lap of honour — continuing plaudits for shocking England — after the match was spontaneous. They go home with four points but a touch disappointed. The Irish have set an example for the Dutch and the other associate nations to follow,and a riposte to those who maintain they do not belong.