Porterfield encouraged with team’s display

Ireland captain buoyant despite team’s exit.

KOLKATA:

Ireland captain William Porterfield will take a lot of positives from the World Cup after his team emerged as the best of the non-Test sides.

Despite suffering a 131-run defeat against South Africa, Porterfield remained upbeat about his team’s show at the mega event. The loss ended Ireland’s chances of making it to the quarter-finals, but they won plenty of hearts with their impressive showings.

“We’ve done a lot of good things in this World Cup,” said Porterfield. “We’ve gained experience and will be taking back a lot.”

Ireland’s biggest moment came when they pulled off the upset of the tournament by defeating England. Porterfield was encouraged by the fact that his team was able to get into winning positions against experienced sides.

“Beating England was the highlight of the World Cup for us,” said Porterfield. “We’ve been in several winning positions. We were right in the game against the West Indies.”

Ireland faltered against Bangladesh losing by 27 runs and then gave a scare to the West Indies in a 44-run defeat.

They also caught the eye with their tight bowling and fielding display against South Africa, reducing them to 117 for five.

The Irish captain said the inability to build a big partnership severely affected his team’s chances against South Africa.

“We kept losing our wickets. What we lack is strong partnerships,” said Porterfield.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2011.