Ireland await England in World T20

Karim Sadiq put Ireland under pressure by helping to put on 37 for the first wicket in Dubai, scoring 34 himself

Ireland will meet England in the group stage of the ICC World Twenty20 after they finished second to Afghanistan in the qualifying tournament in Dubai today.

Both nations had already sealed their places in the showpiece finals by winning their final Super Four matches against Holland and the United Arab Emirates earlier in the day.

But against expectations, Afghanistan sauntered to an eight-wicket victory over Ireland in the final, ensuring they will join South Africa and India in St Lucia in Group C. Ireland’s reward is a place in Group D alongside England and West Indies in Guyana.

Ireland made an excellent start after winning the toss and batting. Top three Niall O’Brien, Will Porterfield and Alex Cusack all scored quick 20s to take them to 87 for three midway through the 10th over.

But regular wickets slowed their progress, Nowroz Mangal claiming 3-23 to limit Ireland to 142 for eight.

Crucially Afghanistan kept wickets in hand in their reply. After the openers had put on 37, wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad cemented their position with a match-sealing 65 not out.

In the day’s first match at the Dubai International Stadium, Afghanistan reached their first major ICC tournament thanks to a tense four-wicket win over host nation UAE.

Qualification is a remarkable feat for Afghanistan - most of whose players learned to play cricket in refugee camps over the Pakistan border - as they were in the fifth division of the World Cricket League just two years ago.

Opener Noor Ali once again proved a calming influence with an unbeaten 38 that saw Afghanistan pass UAE’s total of 100 with three balls to spare.

Earlier off-spinner Mohammad Nabi claimed 3-17 from four overs to leave UAE nine down after their allocation of 20.

Ireland’s more experienced players made light work of their task, thrashing Holland by 65 runs.

Left-arm spinner George Dockrell’s 4-20 skittled their opponents for 86 in 15.3 overs.

Number three Cusack’s quickfire 65 had previously set up a competitive 151 for six.