Ireland outplay the Americas

Ireland defeated the Americas by 85 runs at Radella on Friday to book themselves a place in the semifinals of the Plate championship of the Under-19 World Cup.

Ireland who batted first after a delayed start, recovered from the loss of two quick wickets in the seventh over, to post a competitive 183. Top scorer, Andrew White (76), who came in with the score on 11- 2, steadied the Irish innings. He was involved in the crucial third wicket and fourth wicket partnerships with O'Brien (21) and Mooney (22) that produced 62 and 42 runs respectively.

K. Spelman (29) was the other batsmen to contribute. Rescuing the innings after it had slipped to 130-7 he guided the Irish towards some respectability.

The most successful bowlers for the Americas were Lucas Paterlini (2- 31) and Oliver Pitcher (2-27).

Chasing 184 for victory the Americas didn't get the start they planned. They lost two wickets in the 11th over to leave them precariously placed on 36-3. Thereafter it was just a matter of time before they were bowled out.

The only batsman to look convincing was the No 3 A. Muller (25).

All the Irish bowlers contributed with Mooney (3-25) and Dwayne McGerrigle (3-25) being the most impressive.