O'Briens power Ireland to big win

Ireland 236 (Porterfield 79, Niall O'Brien 70) beat Netherlands 148 (Barresi 55, Kevin O'Brien 4-13) by 88 runs
Scorecard

The O'Brien brothers, Niall and Kevin, made telling contributions with bat and ball respectively to guide Ireland to a comprehensive 88-run win in Amstelveen, which left them needing just one more win to qualify for the 2015 World Cup. Niall scored 70 to help Ireland to 236 before Kevin ran through the Netherlands middle order to finish with his best ODI figures of 4 for 13 in seven overs to send Netherlands crashing to 148 in 36 overs.

Ireland began poorly when they opted to bat, losing Paul Stirling in the second over, bowled round his legs by Edgar Schiferli. Netherlands should have had William Porterfield off the second ball of the innings when he pushed the ball low to cover. The drop cost the hosts as the Ireland captain went on to top score with 79. The fielder, Michael Swart, redeemed himself soon after when he held the catch at extra cover to send back Ed Joyce for 22.

Ireland then staged the most decisive partnership of the match, that of 125 between Porterfield and Niall. Porterfield hit eight fours in his 79 while Niall scored four fours in his 70. The stand was broken when Niall was run out in the 38th over. Ireland lost another quick wicket when Gary Wilson was stumped off Swart. Kevin then walked in to add a quick 32 off 22 balls with three fours and a six. He was out slogging to deep midwicket to Mudassar Bukhari, who took 3 for 41.

Netherlands started their chase confidently, progressing to 52 for 1 after ten overs. They lost control after that as they lost three wickets for 19 runs. Kevin took the first of his four wickets when he had Tom Cooper caught for 8, before taking a return catch to get rid of the innings top-scorer, Wesley Barresi, for 55. Barresi's dismissal left the hosts limping at 99 for 5.

Kevin then claimed the wickets of Daan van Bunge and Bukhari to leave Ireland on the brink of victory. Alex Cusack sealed the win when he had Peter Borren caught at cover. Ireland now have 19 points from 11 games, four ahead of Scotland. Netherlands and Ireland meet again on Tuesday and a win for Ireland will make them the first side to qualify for the World Cup. Should they lose, they will have another chance when they face Scotland in the final round of matches in September.