'Stirling' performance hands Ireland 3-0 win

A brilliant half century by Paul Stirling tipped the scales in Ireland's favour in the third ODI in Dublin against Kenya as the hosts won by a tense four runs by the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Coming in to bat at number three, Stirling smashed 84 runs in 92 balls, complete with six boundaries and two sixes, to take Ireland from 40-2 at one stage to 185-6 in the 42nd over before being bowled by Steve Tikolo. John Mooney then piled on 42 runs in 80 balls as Ireland finished at 256-7.

Kenya, in reply, began with a great start with skipper Maurice Ouma (61 in 80 balls) and Alex Obanda (41 in 65 balls) putting on a 68-run partnership to take Kenya to 96-2. After a brief rain delay, which curtailed the target to 245 in 46 overs, Collins Obuya added on a valuable 78 runs for the fifth wicket to keep victory in sight.

However a tight bowling display from Kyle McCallan (1-39) in the penultimate over denied Kenya a chance at the target as the visitors fell short by four runs to allow Ireland a 3-0 series whitewash.

In the other game of the day, the second ODI between Netherlands and Canada in Amstelveen was washed out with the hosts winning the series 1-0 after a 50-run victory in the first ODI. The two teams will next meet for an ICC Intercontinental Cup match from 15-18 July in Rotterdam.