TRELAWNY, Jamaica (CMC) – Ireland eked out a narrow three-run victory over Jamaica in their low-scoring Twenty20 match of the Jamaica Cricket Association Festival here yesterday.
In the day’s first match at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, Ireland made 124 all out from their allotted 20 overs after winning the toss and batting, before restricting Jamaica to 121 for nine.
Paul Stirling, who topscored with 18, posted an opening stand of 23 with Niall O’Brien (8) but things quickly fell apart to leave Ireland struggling at 49 for four.
The visitors were then boosted by the most productive partnership of the innings, a 31-run, fifth-wicket stand between captain William Porterfield (14), and wicketkeeper/batsman Gary Wilson (15).
Once they were parted, wickets tumbled again and towards the end but Trent Johnson (12) and Mooney (15) got into double figures to give the innings impetus.
Off-spinner Brown Brown led the way with three for 26 and was supported by left-arm medium pacer Krishmar Santokie who took two for 24.
In their turn at the crease, Jamaica lost Brenton Parchment for five at seven for one and when Jon-Ross Campbell fell for six, the Irish bowlers took control.
Although Danza Hyatt chipped in with 18, Tamar Lambert and Carlton Baugh, 11, Jamaica slipped to 82 for seven, a point from which they would never recover.
Odean Brown smashed 20 and Bevon Brown 10 in a desperate attempt to get Jamaica to their target but when Odean was run-out at 113 for nine with four balls left in the final over, Jamaica also ran out of steam.
Left-arm seamer Andre Botha finished with two for 19 while fast bowler Peter Connell claimed two for 34.