Ireland win Intercontinental Cup

Ireland won the ICC Intercontinental Cup for the first time after a six-wicket victory over Kenya in Namibia.

Ireland lost only four wickets after being set 245 for victory on the third and final day of the final while earlier Kenya had slumped to 156 all out.

Ireland became the second European winner of the event, following in the footsteps of Scotland who won the inaugural title in 2004.

Kyle McCallan was the pick of the Ireland bowlers with 4-34, while Andrew White claimed 3-24 and former Essex paceman Adrian McCoubrey 2-37 as Kenya's second innings collapsed despite the absence of captain and main strike bowler Trent Johnston, who broke a finger on Friday.

It was Johnston's tactical declaration on the second day which helped to turn what looked like a certain draw into a stunnig victory as Ireland overturned a 88-run deficit from the first innings.

Kenya, who were ahead on bonus points, resumed the last day on 104 for three but managed only another 52 runs for their remaining seven wickets (the last five coming for just six runs).

Ireland then progressed steadily to victory shortly after tea with Dominick Joyce, brother of Middlesex batsman Ed, contributing 48 and fellow opener Jeremy Bray hitting 64.

It was left to three-wicket hero White to strike the winning run and he also shared the man-of-the-match award with McCallan.

Ireland's route to glory

(Europe group qualifiers)

August 13–15, Aberdeen: Ireland 172 & 196 (D Joyce 61) beat Scotland 234-9 dec (English 66) & 131 by three runs.

August 23–25, Belfast: Ireland 407-4 dec (Bray 135, Botha 97, D Joyce 54, Molins 53, Gillespie 50no) drew with the Netherlands 204-6 (ten Doeschate 84).

Semi-final: October 23–25, Windhoek: Ireland 350-7 dec & 444-4 dec (Bray 190, O'Brien 176) drew with UAE 189 & 227-8 (Ali 59, Saleem 68, McCallan 3-32).

Final: October 27–29, Windhoek: Ireland 313-4 dec & 245-4 (Bray 64) beat Kenya 401-4 dec & 156 (M Suji 52, McCallan 4-34) by six wickets.