UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS: Ireland overpowered the Netherlands by eight wickets in Utrecht on Friday to level a three-match one-day international series at 1-1.
It was all far cry from Wednesday's opener at the same ground, when the hosts won by just one run to gain in a set of matches that are part of the World Cup Super League qualifying process for the 2023 50-over showpiece in India.
Ireland, set a modest victory target of 158 on Friday, had an early setback when opener and former captain
William Porterfield was out for a duck.
But current skipper
Andrew Balbirnie
made an unbeaten 63 as Ireland won with seven overs to spare, with experienced batsman
Paul Stirling contributing 52 to the Test nation's chase.
The real damage, however, was done after the hosts won the toss, with Craig Young taking 4-18 and left-arm paceman Josh Little a career-best 4-39 as the Dutch were dismissed for 157 inside 50 overs.
This series concludes on June 7.
For the World Cup, hosts India and the top seven sides thereafter in the 13-team Super League will qualify automatically.
The remaining five teams will then play in a 2022 qualifying event to decide the final two participants in a 10-nation World Cup.
Brief scores:
Netherlands 157, 49.2 overs (C Young 4-18, J Little 4-39)
Ireland 158-2, 43 overs (A Balbirnie 63 no, P Stirling 52)
Result: Ireland won by eight wickets
Series: Three-match series level at 1-1
Remaining Fixture
June 7: Third ODI, Utrecht
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