IRELAND’S DISMAL WORLD Twenty20 campaign has ended with another defeat, as John Bracewell’s side were blown away by the Netherlands in a six-over shoot-out.
Any hopes Ireland had of salvaging something from a forgettable tournament were dashed by more rain in Dharamsala and then a batting collapse which came as little surprise.
Ireland’s chances of progressing to the Super 10 phase were already over after a shock defeat to Oman and a no result against Bangladesh – but the opportunity to record a morale-boosting win never looked likely.
The Boys in Green finish bottom of Group A with just one point.
After heaving morning rain at the HPCA Stadium, the game was reduced to six over a side yet Ireland’s forlorn batting display was such that the margin of victory was 12 runs.
George Dockrell’s three wickets had restricted the Dutch to 59/5 but it proved to be out of Ireland’s reach despite a fast start provided by William Porterfield and Paul Stirling.
But the captain’s dismissal in the second over sparked a collapse which saw Ireland lose seven wickets and fall considerably short of the victory target.
Stirling apart, no Irish batsman managed to get into double figures and the batting unit, completely devoid of any confidence, were ruthlessly exposed by the Dutch.
Paul van Meekeren bagged four wickets to help his side notch up a consolation victory and serve up another dose of realism to their Associate counterparts.
Medium-pacer van Meekeren (4/11 from 2 overs) tore into the Irish batting getting good support from left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe, who picked up two scalps, to restrict Ireland to 47/7.
While the format of this tournament contributed to Ireland’s downfall with Friday’s washout against Bangladesh, no blame can be leveled at anybody else for the level of performance.
Now that the team prepare to return home, the inquiry into the failings of the last week will begin in earnest ahead of a busy international summer.
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