Stunning Connell downs Netherlands

Ireland 400 for 6 dec beat Netherlands 127 and 206 (Bukhari 59*, Borren 53, Connell 6-28) by an innings and 67 runs
Scorecard

Debuts don't come much better than Peter Connell's against Netherlands. He wrapped up Ireland's innings-and-67-run victory with a hat-trick, in the process completing a 10-wicket haul. He becomes the 16th player to take a hat-trick on first-class debut and the first in an international match.

Connell had a taste of success in the first innings when his four wickets helped Ireland set-up their final-day victory charge. Second time around Netherlands again found him too much to handle as they fell to 206 all out. The end came in a hurry with Connell collected his hat-trick by bowling Jeron Smits and Pieter Seelaar, then trapping last man Edgar Schiferli lbw.

Only Peter Borren (53) and Mudassar Bukhari (59 not out) put up any resistance for the Netherlands on the final day as the home side struggled in vain to save the match. They weren't helped by some poor shot selection from the top order as Eric Szwarczynski and Daan van Bunge both fell loosely with just five runs added to the overnight total.

Despite Connell's 10 wickets, the Man of the Match went to Andre Botha for his vital 172 in Ireland's innings. With Ireland claiming maximum points, this victory moves them up one spot to second place, leap-frogging Kenya in the process. They now lie just 13 points adrift of Namibia but with a game in hand.