Stirling pays dividends for Ireland

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Paul Stirling followed up his two wickets by guiding Ireland to series victory over Kenya with a game to spare courtesy of 65 not out

Ireland won the Twenty20 series in Mombassa with a game to spare thanks principally to Paul Stirling’s all-round contribution.

Stirling’s off-breaks earned him figures of 2-21 from four overs, helping limit Kenya to 131 for seven, and the opening batsman struck nine fours during a smooth unbeaten 65 in an eight-wicket victory with 15 balls unused.

Following a paltry 107 in yesterday’s six-wicket defeat, the hosts produced a stronger batting display after winning the toss.

Second-change Stirling made the first breakthrough, bowling Duncan Allan, but Collins Obuya and then Tanmay Mishra offered support to opener David Obuya.

Stirling returned to trap the latter in front for 28 in the 15th over, but his fourth-wicket partner Rakep Patel hit two fours and sixes en route to 27. Despite a flurry of late wickets, Alex Obanda’s unbeaten 14 ensured a decent total.

Ireland captain Will Porterfield and Stirling lay a strong foundation during the chase, putting on 63 until Ragheb Aga had the former caught in the covers for 23.

Hiren Varaiya bowled Kevin O’Brien to give Kenya faint hope, but Stirling and Gary Wilson - whose 22 came at a run-a-ball - shared an unbroken 46.