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Harare. — IRELAND beat the USA by six wickets and with 94 balls to spare to win the playoff semifinal for seventh place in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Harare yesterday.
Neither team will play in India this year so pride was the only thing at stake in this game.
Ireland chose to field first and the USA were in trouble as they lost their first two wickets early, but an 88-run stand between Saiteja Mukkamalla and Sushant Modani stabilised their innings.
Both departed after getting their fifties and Ireland got back in the game with quick wickets.
From 151/5, USA were reduced to 168/9 and were eventually bowled out for 196.
Craig Young was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland with three wickets.
Ireland were resolute in the chase and quickly began scoring runs with Paul Stirling taking the lead.
He completed his half-century and the opening partnership crossed 75 runs. Ireland were moving comfortably even after the wickets of McBrine and Stirling.
Andy Balbirnie remained unbeaten on 45 as Ireland claimed a comfortable victory. — Reuters.
Online Reporter