Ireland claimed their fourth ICC Intercontinental Cup title with a 122 run win over Afghanistan in the final in Dubai. John Mooney was named man of the match after finishing with match figures of 10 for 81 which secured an amazing treble of trophies in 2013. Afghanistan dominated the morning session on Day 4 and went two hours without losing a wicket. Having struggled to make the breakthrough all morning, wickets began to fall when the new ball became available after lunch.
Max Sorensen got the first breakthrough before Mooney bowled quite fantastically to finish with figures of 5 for 36 in the second innings and take the winning wicket to see Ireland home to glory. At the presentation, William Porterfield insisted on Trent Johnston being the one to receive the trophy and he received a rapturous reception from all around as he bowed out from international cricket as a champion. However Johnston did have to leave the field in his last ever match due to an achilles problem. Meanwhile Kevin O’Brien was named Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year.
