Ireland's preparations for the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers ended on a losing note after a 21 run loss against Eastern Province.

Chasing 149 for victory Ireland looked well placed at the half-way stage having reached 75 for 2 with William Porterfield and Gary Wilson looking comfortable.

However, Wilson went soon after for 12, and the wheels came off the Irish reply, as they lost 8 wickets for 52 runs to finish 127 all out in 19.4 overs.

The return to form of skipper Porterfield who top scored with 48 from 42 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes) was one of the few positives the Irish can take from the defeat.

With yesterday's centurion Paul Stirling rested, Kevin O'Brien was promoted to opener, and raced to 19 from just 8 balls before being well caught at cover.

Of the rest of the Irish batsmen, only Ed Joyce (15), reached double figures as too many perished attempting big shots as the asking rate climbed steadily.

Sisonda Magala was the pick of the home side attack, claiming 4 for 28 to set up the win.

Earlier an unbroken stand of 77 in just 49 balls between Mike Smith (47*) and James Price (42*) had helped Eastern Province set a challenging total of 148 for 3.

Andrew White picked up 2 for 29 in a three over spell, while George Dockrell again impressed with 1 for 8, also from three overs.

Ireland leave South Africa tomorrow to travel to the UAE, where they play their opening qualifying game against Namibia next Tuesday.