Ireland clinch last-minute two-wicket win over UAE in gripping CWC tie

In a gripping encounter between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the former registered a last minute two-wicket win against the latter at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on Wednesday, thanks to a brisk half-ton from all-rounder Kevin O'Brien and wicketkeeper batsman Gary Wilson's 80-run knock.

Put in to bat first, the UAE posted a respectable 279 for Ireland to win in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to Shaiman Anwar's 106 off 83 deliveries including ten fours and one six.

The UAE got of to a slow start and were reeling at 49-1 in the 11th over, after opener Andri Berenger fell for his individual 13 runs. Berenger's dismissal was followed by Krishna Chandran going for a duck. Both, Berenger and Chandran fell prey to Paul Sterling's offbreak deliveries.

 

Khurram Khan provided a little stability with his 36-run knock, while opener Amjad Ali fell five runs short of his half-century.

Amjad Javed further contributed to the UAE's scoreline with his 42-run knock as they posted 278-9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Sterling, Max Sorensen, Alex Cusack and O'Brien each claimed two wickets for Ireland, while George Dockrell claimed one.

Ireland started their run-chase on a slow note, with all-rounder Sterling going cheaply for just three runs. Skipper William Porterfield and Ed Joyce steadied the ship for Ireland, as both scored their individual 37 in their 68-run partnership for the second wicket.

With Niall O'Brien (17) and Andy Ballbirnie (30) failing to provide any substantial contribution to Ireland's scoreline, it was up to the wicketkeeper for guiding them to a comfortable position.

Wilson, who has been declared as the Man-of-the-Match, hit a magnificent 80 off 69 deliveries, including nine fours, to put Ireland in the drivers seat for the match.

The match turned head-over-heels when O'Brien came in with his brisk 25-ball half century. Cusack and Dockrell completed the chase for Ireland, as they remained unbeaten on five runs each, guiding the team to victory with four balls remaining.