Porterfield Relishing Renewing Rivalry With Afghanistan as Ireland Rally to Outclass UAE

Irish Skipper William Porterfield is once again looking forward to renewing rivalries with Afghanistan in the final of the Twenty20 World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

Ireland rallied well today from 42 for 4 to post a total of 147 and then bowling and fielded excellently to dismiss the UAE for 85.

Porterfield had a special mention for soon to retire `All Rounder' Trent Johnston, saying he could easily see Trent play another year, but that Johnston had his mind made up that now is the right time for him to retire.

Barry Chambers: William congratulations another final, but it was a bit hairy at 42 for 4?

William Porterfield: It obviously wasn't ideal losing a few early wickets. But we had all confidence in the lads, the way we have been playing to claw that back, and we still had to play well to get up to that, and I thought we did. We set it up pretty well coming down near the back end of the innings, there was still time for that consolidation.

But even in consolidation we were still going at 6.5 to 7, which was what was required. Then to get a bit of partnership of three or four overs. So I think `Mooners' (John Mooney) obviously did that with `Kevvy' (Kevin O'Brien) to start with, and the way Trent came in and played there as well was great to see.

Barry Chambers: There's a lot of experience in that middle order, nearly 550 to 600 caps, they've been at World Cups, it's a great thing to have in the bank isn't it?

William Porterfield: Yeah it is, and obviously if we can give them a bit of a better platform, which we have been doing so far in the tournament, then it can set us up for an even better total.

Barry Chambers: And you didn't need to use George Dockrell today?

William Porterfield: No the ball was skidding on nicely, and I thought the way the seamers bowled, the lengths they hit, it was pretty hard to score on that pitch. So spin obviously wasn't really required. So the two lefties there at the end, just brought `Stirlo' (Paul Stirling) on, I think it was up around 15-20 runs needed an over. So it was a matter of getting through a couple of overs then. Not just getting through them, because obviously he can take wickets. But it's great when you've got those two lads, and you haven't had to use them.

Barry Chambers: We talked about, and we had a bit of a laugh earlier in the tournament, when we said maybe Trent Johnston could stay on and play as a batsman?

William Porterfield: I personally think he could stay on for another year. He's definitely fit enough, and he's bowling well and batting well. He's probably as fit as he has been over the last few years. But obviously he's made that decision. It's the right time for himself to move on. And I'm sure there'll be plenty of opportunities opening up for Trent after cricket. He's a great bloke and great character to have around any changing room.

Barry Chambers: Would you like him still involved in the Irish setup?

William Porterfield: Yeah well obviously you can't take experience and lose that there though the setup. Obviously I'm not sure what lies in store for him, but he'll obviously be a great coach for someone. So whether that's in Ireland or elsewhere, I'm sure there'll be plenty of offers on the table for him.

Barry Chambers: And just maybe a final word, Afghanistan again, we've developed a great rivalry over the last few years. Are you looking forward to that contest?

William Porterfield:  We are and obviously when we play them out here, in finals out here, they get great support. There's upwards of . . .

Barry Chambers: 10,000 here earlier today.

William Porterfield: Yeah exactly, and that was for Afghanistan and Nepal, and quite a few in supporting Nepal as well. So it's going to be great. We normally get, as you said, close to 10,000 and it provides for a great atmosphere. I think we'll probably have about 15 to 20 Irish trying to make themselves heard in amongst that, but it's just a great atmosphere as I said, and they're a great Twenty20 side, and it should be a good contest.