Andrew Balbirnie relinquishes captaincy after Ireland win

Ireland clinched a two-wicket victory over Nepal with four balls to spare as they ended their disappointing Cricket World Cup qualifying campaign on a high in Bulawayo, with Andrew Balbirnie stepping down from the captaincy of the ODl and T20 squads after the game.

Paul Stirling will now step into the role on an interim basis.

Half-centuries from Harry Tector and Curtis Campher helped Ireland chase down Nepal's 268 for nine in the seventh-place play-off, after both sides failed to reach the Super Six stage.

Arjun Saud and Kushal Malla fell just short of half-centuries but Gulsan Jha (57 not out) reached his milestone as Nepal set Ireland 269 for victory.

Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy and Craig Young finished with two wickets apiece, although Ireland were left to rue letting number nine Jha lead a recovery from 169 for seven.

Ireland slumped to 60 for three in reply as Andy McBrine and Balbirnie were removed with just 23 on the board and Stirling (15) soon followed as he was bowled by Jha.

Lorcan Tucker and Tector then steadied the innings but Karan KC removed both in quick succession to leave Ireland five down with another 134 needed for victory.

Campher and George Dockrell (33) got Ireland to within touching distance before McCarthy struck the winning boundary off Jha.