WILLIAM PORTERFIELD scored the fastest half-century ever by an Ireland batsman yesterday  as his side raced to a crushing 10-wicket victory over Kenya in the World Twenty20 qualifiers in Dubai.

Porterfield reached the mark in 23 balls - beating opening partner Paul Stirling's 25-ball effort against the Netherlands in last year's World Cup - as Ireland overhauled Kenya's 71 all out in only 7.2 overs.

Even so, the Ireland captain was denied the man-of-the-match award by fellow north-wester Boyd Rankin who laid waste to the top of the Kenya order to return figures of 3- 20.

Rankin has bowled tirelessly in the past two months without getting just reward but it all came right yesterday for the big paceman as Ireland quickly atoned for their opening day defeat by Namibia.

"The pitch had a bit of life in it up front and I made a conscious effort to bowl straighter," Rankin said.

"It was good to nick a few wickets and keep things tight because that's my job in the early overs."

Rankin was ably assisted by Railway Union stalwart Trent Johnston who claimed a miserly 1-13 from his four overs before Alex Cusack, George Dockrell and John Mooney chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Porterfield then smashed two sixes and eight fours in his 56 not out with Stirling playing second fiddle for once as the target was reached with a massive 12.4 overs to spare.

Ireland will look to build on their win today in the third of seven Group B matches against an unbeaten Italy side containing former Australian star Michael di Venuto and Middlesex all-rounder Gareth Berg.