Ireland take charge in Rotterdam

Ierland's Andre Botha scored 172 against the Netherlands

Ireland were in command in the third day of their InterContinental Cup match in Rotterdam as Holland lost three early wickets.

With Ireland declaring on 400 for six, the Dutch had an early collapse and were 13 for three in the ninth over.

Andre Botha was the star of the Irish innings with a score of 172.

Ireland had been on 25 for three, but Botha's huge knock and Kevin O'Brien's 79, plus an unbeaten 76 from Andrew Poynter, saw them set a big target.

Only an hour's play was possible on a rain-affected second day.

From their strong overnight position of 226-4, the Irish added 70 runs for no loss as Andre Botha pushed on to 152 and Andrew Poynter moved to 39.

There was no play at all in Rotterdam before tea before the action could resume after the long delay.

The Irish went into the game without county-tied trio Eoin Morgan, Niall O'Brien and William Porterfield while former captain Trent Johnston and Andrew White were also unavailable.

Gary Wilson and Peter Connell were included in Ireland's starting eleven with Thinus Fourie and late call-up James Hall left out.

Ireland are the defending InterContinental Cup champions having beaten Canada in last year's final in Leicester.

Realistically, the Dutch must win the match to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the final.

Two-times defending champions, Ireland already look to be shaping up for a battle with Kenya for the remaining final spot with Namibia well clear at the head of affairs after five straight wins.