Balbirnie praises O’Brien as duo give Ireland perfect start

IRELAND produced the perfect team performance to start their World Cup qualifying campaign with a crushing 93-run victory over Netherlands in Harare. Andrew Balbirnie was named man of the match for his 68 but he received great support from Niall O’Brien (49) in a fourth wicket stand of 101. It gave Ireland the momentum to finish on 268 for seven. Backed up by a superb fielding display, which included a flying catch by Barry McCarthy and a direct hit run-out from Kevin O’Brien, the bowlers shared the wickets as the Dutch were all out in the 33rd over for 149. Balbirnie, later given an allclear on a scan after he was hit on the head during his innings, said: ‘I always enjoy batting with Niall, he keeps a level head and it’s great to see him in form at the start of the tournament as you need your big players.’