Murtagh's four-for gives Ireland top spot
Ireland climbed to the top spot on the Intercontinental Cup table with a 70-run win over Hong Kong in Belfast on Friday
Ireland climbed to the top spot on the Intercontinental Cup table with a 70-run win over Hong Kong in Belfast on Friday
Nizakat knew when Tanveer came in that it was going to be down to him, so he had no choice but to hit out. It seems a shame for Nizakat to finish on the losing side, his innings today was magnificent and he scored more then the rest of the Hong Kong team combined. With a couple of stubborn partnerships Hong Kong seems to edge closer and closer to Ireland's target and you could feel the tension build up around the ground.
Ireland stuck to the task throughout the day, with regular wickets being taken throughout the day. Although they didn't help themselves by dropping Nizakat four times. The experienced Murtagh was the pick of the bowlers and Ireland held him back in the end for the new ball, he took the last wicket and ended up as the leading wicket taker.
So with that Ireland complete a 70 run victory and make it four out of four in the Intercontinental cup. They get 20 points for the win and move 19 points clear at the top of the table. Hong Kong remain in 4th with 30 points.
With only one more match in the I-Cup this year, when PNG play Namibia in October. It means that we can look forward to next March when Ireland travel to Greater Noida to play against Afghanistan.
Although it will not be long until these teams face each other again, Monday bring the first T20 between the two teams at Bready. We will be there so don't forget to join us. So that just leaves me to thank you for following my commentary over the past four day, its been fun. This is Justin Smyth saying bye from a Sunny Stormont. Goodnight!
Nizakat Khan c Joyce b Murtagh 123 (181b 14x4 1x6) SR: 67.95
The third Umpire has just taken the new ball out there and Ireland are going to take it straight away. Murtagh is going to be coming back in from the Dundonald End.
Ireland climbed to the top spot on the Intercontinental Cup table with a 70-run win over Hong Kong in Belfast on Friday