Porterfield: World fate is in Irish hands

In the mix: William Porterfield CAPTAIN William Porterfield is content that qualification for the World Cup finals is still in Ireland’s own hands after they eased into the Super Six stage of the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe.

Following their massive 226run victory over UAE yesterday, which included a seventh oneday international century from Paul Stirling and career-best ODI bowling figures for Boyd Rankin, they have the best run-rate of the final six and if they win their next three games they will be at next year’s finals in England.

“We would have liked to carry through four points, we have to make do with two, but it’s in our hands which is what we wanted,” said Porterfield. “It’ll be nice to have a couple of days off before we face Zimbabwe on Friday. We know that three wins will be enough to make the finals and that, of course, is our target.”