Stirling helps Ireland record 3-wkt win over Zimbabwe

SYLHET: Ireland defeated Zimbabwe by three wickets in the third match (Group ‘B’) of the fifth ICC World Twenty20 first round here at the Sylhet Divisional Stadium on Monday.

Chasing 164, Ireland reached the target on the final ball after losing two consecutive wickets in the last over bowled from pacer Tinashe Panyangara, who bagged four wickets for 37.

Openers Paul Stirling and captain William Porterfield laid the foundation of their chase making 80 runs for the first wicket partnership.

Stirling made 60 off 34 balls with nine fours and a six while Porterfield scored 31 from 23 balls with three boundaries and a six.

Other useful contributors were Andrew Poynter (23) and Ed Joyce (22).

Earlier Zimbabwe being sent into bat by Ireland, made 163 runs for five wickets with the help of a brilliant 59 by their captain Brendan Taylor.