Ireland will fly off to the T20 World Cup next week in fine fettle after another heart-stopping victory over the Netherlands in The Hague yesterday maintaining their unbeaten record in the tri-series and underlining the fighting spirit of PaulStirling’s men.

The last game of a tournament the Boys in Green had already won was one they should have lost as the Dutch eased to 137-2 at the end of the 17th over, leaving themselves a modest 25 to win from 18 balls.

Up stepped Mark Adair to turn the tide by removing both established batters for six runs, Barry McCarthy - winning his 100th cap - conceded eight off the next over before Craig Young nailed a couple of perfect yorkers to secure the three-run win.

What must be pleasing for skipper Stirling as he looks forward to the World Cup is that every member of his settled side has made a significant contribution either in this tri-series or the three preceding matches against Pakistan.

George Dockrell took the plaudits yesterday (FRI) at the Vorburg ground, leading a recovery with 53 not out from 30 balls, his second T20i half-century, after three of the top four had failed.

A big Six from George Dockrell in his score of 53*

The exception was Stirling himself, who began his innings with a gorgeous drive through extra cover and quickly added a straight six, but when the skipper fell for 36, his side were floundering on 56-4 in the 10th over.

Dockrell and Curtis Campher regained the momentum, striking two sixes each in a partnership of 62 for the fifth wicket while Adair also cleared the ropes twice as Ireland piled on a punishing 40 runs from the last 15 balls to reach 161-6.

Man-of-the-series Adair is in the form of his life with bat and ball, and must be relishing the chance to showcase his all-round skills against India in New York, on June 5.

Before that first Group A match, Ireland will finish their World Cup preparations with a warm-up contest against Sri Lanka, already knowing the top eight of the team that will face India.

Barring injuries, star paceman Josh Little will be the only change from yesterday’s line-up, replacing McCarthy, Young or leg-spinner Ben White.