After a great team performance to overhaul the West Indies in their opening game, earlier this morning Ireland faced fellow associates United Arab Emirates in a confident mood. Winning the toss, Ireland put UAE into bat.
That confidence took a knock when UAE set a total of 278 for 9 from their 50 overs, with Shaiman Anwar hitting 106 runs from 83 balls. Ireland needing 279 to win.
Worse was to come when Paul Stirling’s wicket fell for 3 runs from 9 balls. Ireland at 4 runs for 1 wicket.
They’ve continued to struggle against the UAE bowling, at one point Ireland were 97 for 4 from 25.2 overs.
There’s been a mini-revival since then. But Ireland required 159 off the last 20 overs at 7.95 per over to win.
Follow the final overs via BBC live coverage, radio and text. Or cricinfo over-by-over text coverage.
Final Ireland 279 for 8 from 49.2 overs.
Ireland win! Somehow, by 2 wickets with 4 balls to spare.
That’s two out of two for Ireland. South Africa up next…
