The World T20 qualifier for 2016 T20 World Cup which will be held in India, has observed thee exciting matches asg upset victory over Ireland by 2 wickets at Stormont, Belfast, United States defeated Jersey by five wickets at Bready, Londonderry and Oman registered a 40 run victory over Afghanistan Herriot’s, Edinburgh.
Among the three the most mouthwatering matches were Ireland versus Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan versus Oman.
Ireland vs Papua New Guinea
In the first match, Papua New Guinea notched up their second win in the tournament by defeating Ireland by two wickets in a humdinger match in Belfast.
Winning the toss Ireland elected to bats first. Papua New Guinea bowlers restricted them inside 123 for 9. Captain William Porterfield best scored 57 for Ireland. Papua New Guinea bowlers Willie Gavera took three wickets.
In reply to Ireland’s 123 Papua New Guinea lost two openers early at the innings. Assad Vala coming at no. 3 played a 32 run knock before fell to Kevin O’Brien. When the Oceania side was batting at 47 lost Kila Pala who scored 19 runs. Subsequently, Ireland have come back into the match by picking four quick wickets. Norman Vanua coming at number nine played a 29 run innings and raced to the victory.
In another Group B match, Oman, perhaps, are going through their dream form as they defeated World Cupper Afghanistan by 40 runs. Their third win in four matches.
Ireland top the group A with six points in four match while Oman stand close second with five points in three matches.
Afghanistan vs Oman
Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai winning the toss asked Oman to bat. Oman lost their first wicket in the second ball of their innings without a run on the board. Zeeshan Ahmed and Jatinder Singh made a 49 run partnership that laid strong foundation to their final score 144 for seven in twenty overs.
In reply to 144 Afghanistan got off a good start, scored 32 runs in first wicket and another 29 runs partnership in second wicket between Javed Ahmadi and Ashgar Stanikzai. But, since then Afghanistan batsmen collapsed and never recovered as spinner Zeeshan Maqsood bamboozled Afghanistan by picking up four wickets in 2.5 overs.
Currently, Afghanistan top the group B with seven points in five games while Oman stand second with six points in four matches.
Jersey vs USA
In the 24th match of ICC World T20 qualifier USA registered their first victory as they notched up convincing five wickets victory.
US A winning the toss asked Jersey to bat first, and Jersey were bundled out for 87 runs in 18 overs. Naseer Jamali and Hammad Shahid took three wickets each.
USA raced to the victory with five wickets and 26 balls in hand.
Both Jersey and USA have one win with their name, and stand fifth and sixth in group A points chart.