Porterfield leads Ireland to fourth T20 win

Ireland captain William Porterfield smashed the United States bowling attack and the Irish Twenty20 record books to smithereens in Abu Dhabi to keep up his side’s unbeaten run in the World T20 qualifier.

The 29-year-old Warwickshire opener carried his bat through the innings to finish unbeaten on 127 off 69 deliveries at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium to help set up an emphatic 75-run victory that has boosted Ireland’s run rate considerably at the top of Group A after four straight victories.

Porterfield’s century was a first for an Irish batsman in the shortest form of the game and beats the previous best of Niall O’Brien, who made 84 against the same opposition on the same ground back in 2010.

The left-hander hit 12 fours and five sixes in his innings, which came at an amazing strike rate of 184.

Ireland’s total of 216 for three also pips the 202 for four from that game in 2010, with Porterfield scoring his 11th international century to put him three clear of fellow opening partner Paul Stirling.

The USA did get off to a strong start in their reply, hitting 57 runs off the six powerplay overs, but Stirling took two wickets in his first over and along with fellow spinner George Dockrell reduced their opponents to 98 for six when they had finished their spells at the end of the 13th over.

John Mooney, who had earlier hit an unbeaten 32 from just 13 balls, took two wickets with his first spell of bowling in the tournament, with Max Sorensen also taking two scalps as the USA were bowled out for 141 in the final over.

Ireland remain top of Group A on eight points, leading Hong Kong on net run rate and having a game in hand. The two sides meet in the final round of matches on Sunday.

Ireland are back in action Thursday morning when they take on an Italy side that have won just one of their four games to date.