IRELAND’S WEEK FINISHED as it started; with a heavy, and worrying, defeat to Afghanistan but even considering the form book, this afternoon’s mauling in the Desert T20 final came as a shock.
John Bracewell’s side had improved as the tournament developed and this morning showed real signs of progress with a comprehensive victory over Scotland to book their place in the decider.
But they were found wanting under the lights in Dubai as Ireland slumped to 71 all out to lose by 10 wickets.
Batting first, Ireland looked to continue the positivity which had reaped handsome rewards in the win over Scotland, but that was to prove their undoing.
Stuart Poynter struck the first two deliveries he faced to the boundary, but was dismissed from the third to set the tone for a nightmare batting display.
William Porterfield (9) and Paul Stirling (17) advanced the total to 32 for one before the wheels fell off the Irish innings in spectacular fashion.
Both fell to arch nemesis Mohammed Nabi, who claimed four for 14 as the Irish lost nine wickets for 39 runs.
It was their second worst T20 total behind the 68 made against West Indies in Guyana during the 2010 T20 World Cup.
Greg Thompson (10*) was the only other player to reach double figures as the Irish wilted in front of a partisan 15,000 Afghan fans.
The Afghans wasted no time in chasing down the modest target, as Mohammed Shahzad and Nowroz Mangal took just 7.5 overs to secure the most emphatic of wins.
Ireland 71 all out (13.2 overs; P Stirling 17, G Thompson 10*, Mohammed Nabi 4-10, Karim Janat 2-14, Amir Hamza 2-15, Ahmad Malik 2-20)
Afghanistan 74/0 (7.5 overs; Mohammed Shahzad 52*, Nowroz Mangal 17*)
Afghanistan beat Ireland by 10 wickets
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Great great player and as tough as they come. Highly regarded in NZ . R I P
They broke the mold when they made him, as tough as a rhinos armor on the field, as gentle as a lamb off it. Way too young to die, a sad day for the entire Irish sports community, not just rugby. Condolences to his family who have obviously lost more than an Irish sporting icon. May he RIP.
Legend.R.I.P.
A hard player and a gent by all accounts. Absolute head of Eric Miller in that photo, uncanny.
r.i.p
Teak tough was Willie Duggan
God rest his soul RIP
@John McCabe: One of the true legends of the game. He will be sadly missed by all fans and all provinces.
@Trevor Johnston: Trevor wasn’t he a hard man in the true sense?
@John McCabe: Yes. I once met the great French Robert Paperemborde. He only knew four words of English. ‘Willie Duggan boom boom’
That was a tribute in its own.
Sadly Robert is also now gone from us
Hard on the field and a Gentleman off. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
On his retirement Serg Blanco was asked what player he admired most in his career, Willie Duggan of Ireland came the response, Why , he was asked, because ” he smoked more at halftime than I did “
One of the all time greats of Irish rugby. Part of a glorious backrow with O’Driscoll and Slattery. A pleasure to watch him in action.
@Aidan Kearney: Great back row
A true legend of his time rip
First man to be sent off in a five nations game. Completely different beast! RIP
Condolences to his family. A lot of great rugby players seem to pass way too young.
Sad news. His name is synonymous with the amateur game.
Self and a friend after dinner went looking for bob a job, 10/11 yrs old, knocked on his door, Full, Massive Cabbage bacon and Spuds. Spuds were boulders, we didn’t like CBS or want it. We finished it. Sweating cabbage. Don’t think we would of done it for anyone else.
Are you getting warmed up. “Fags and radiator in the car, plenty warmed up” RIP
@seanofiachra: not sure what you try to type…m8¡
@Fank Pulman: Your loss Fank, your loss! RIP Willie.
@Fank Pulman:
A feed of CBS for bob a job, Frank!
Late Willie put it up to 2 youngsters, for the craic.
Heard that one years ago about fags and car rad
Rip to an Irish Rugby Legend
Not a rugby head.,but if I recognise the name ,he had to be great. RIP.
May the great Willie Duggan rest in peace.