Ireland beat Netherlands at Eden

Opener P R Sterling scored his maiden ODI century and added 177 runs in first wicket partnership with captain W T S Porterfield (68) guiding Ireland to beat The Netherlands in their last World Cup match from group “B”  at Eden Gardens here
Friday.

Though the match was held for academic interest only as both the teams were
out of contention, it saw more than 600 runs being scored on a pitch which became more flat as the match progressed.

With only ten teams playing in the final round in the next edition of World Cup, it now remains to be seen whether any of these two teams would be seen in action in the tournament proper of the cricket’s mega event in near future. 

While Ireland finished their campaign in the ongoing World Cup earning four points from two victories after six matches, The Netherlands after raising some hope by posting a total of 305 runs, failed to live up to the expectation because of inept bowling and poor fielding. 

They  finished at the bottom of group “B” without securing any point after six outings.

Requiring a total of 306 runs to force a victory, Ireland, which earlier beat England, rose to the occasion with Sterling and Porterfield holding the centrestage. They were  also ably supported by O’Brien brothers  N J  and K J  who remained unbeaten with 57 and 15 respectively to see Ireland through. 

Besides, E C Joyce and  G C Wilson also chipped in with  28 and 27 respectively.

Facing a huge total put up by The Netherlands, Porterfield and Sterling, who opened  Ireland innings,  played a sedate knock each and had no difficulty at all to punish the  ordinary  bowling from The Netherlands.

Of  the two, Sterling, who was adjuged “Man of the Match”, was more aggressive
and plundered runs demolishing opponent bowlers at ease. In the process Sterling earned his maiden century in his One Day International career.

He, however, made his exit scoring only one more run after hitting the ton as he
was caught by Kervezee off Seelaar. He hit ten fours and two sixers off 72 deliveries.

The departure of Sterling saw Porterfield also making his exit being caught by keeper off Cooper after scoring 68 playing 93 balls and hitting 10 bounderies.

Earlier, The Netherlands scored an impressive  305 runs losing all wickets in stipulated 50 overs after they were put to field by Ireland captain Porterfield  who called correctly.

The highlights of  Netherland team’s innings were  105 by Ryan ten Doeschate and  84 by Peter Borren.

Commenting on their performance in this World Cup Netherlands skipper Borren said the experience in this world cup "will help us in future”.

Ireland captain William said: “We have enjoyed  playing  in this sub continent and are happy to win two matches  in this championship."