Porterfield ton carries Ireland past PNG after Ura’s 151 helps set big target

Will Porterfield struck a century as Ireland overcame Tony Ura’s remarkable innings of 151 to beat Papua New Guinea by four wickets.

Skipper Porterfield led from the front, hitting 111 to help his side overhaul a victory target of 236 with five balls remaining in Harare.

Ed Joyce provided assistance with 53, sharing a third-wicket stand of 108 with Porterfield, to ensure Ireland put themselves in pole position for the Super Sixes with a second win from as many qualifiers.

Ireland were in complete control after winning the toss and reducing PNG to 116 for seven in the 33rd over, but Ura kept his side in the game with a remarkable 142-ball knock.

The opener was the only batsman in the top seven to register double figures, blasting ten fours and six maximums before becoming Kevin O’brien’s second victim in the final over.

Andy Mcbrine led the attack with three for 38 from ten overs while paceman Boyd Rankin matched O’brien’s two wickets.

Porterfield lacked support either side of his partnership with Joyce and despite his loss shortly before O’brien with 20 still needed, Ireland got home in the final over thanks to Gary Wilson and George Dockrell.