The World Cup Qualifier games are underway with subpar teams striving to mark their presence for the major ICC tournament in Zimbabwe. In a recent game between USA and Ireland, Ireland secured a thrilling win over the USA with the help of Craig Young’s major 3 wickets.
Craig Young took three wickets in 7 overs of his spell, which included a maiden as well. He shined with the ball to help Ireland defeat the United States by 6 wickets in the world cup qualifier matches at the Takashinga Sports Club Stadium.
Young, who finished with figures of 3-35 from his seven overs, bowled brilliantly to restrict the USA to a minimum score of 196 in 43 overs. The USA had been cruising at 120-3 in the 21st over, but Young’s dramatic intervention turned the game on its head.
The 33-year-old seamer first got his team a breakthrough by dismissing opener Steven Taylor at 23 and then he went on to bowl Monak Patel at 0 with a slower ball that the batsman dragged onto his stumps. He then caught NK Patel in the hands of Andrew Balbirnie. Rusty Theron caught behind off a full delivery.
Young’s hat-trick ball was a slower ball that was too good for Saiteja Mukkamalla, who safely defended himself.
Ireland’s chase was led by Paul Stirling, who scored 58 off 45 balls. Stirling put on a key partnership with captain Andrew Balbirnie 45* to help Ireland get off to a good start.
The USA fought back in the middle overs, but Harry Tector (25) and Lorcan Tucker (25) kept Ireland on track. Captain Andrew Balbirnie hit the winning runs with a boundary in the last over.
Young’s performance was a timely reminder of his talent. The Northern Ireland bowler has been in excellent form in recent months. If Young can continue his good form, he could be a key player for Ireland in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.
The win was also a boost for Ireland’s preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup. They will be looking to build on their recent form and make a deep run in the tournament.
