CRICKET WORLD CUP: Ireland and Stirling see off UAE
Gary Wilson and Kevin O’Brien starred with the bat as the boys in green chased 279 at the Gabba in Brisbane.
An 80 from Wilson and O’Brien’s 50 off 25 helped Ireland on their way to a nervy two-wicket victory with four balls to spare.
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Hide AdStirling, who took 2-27 with the ball, was bowled by Manjula Guruge and caught by Swapnil Patil for just three runs. After his magnificent man-of-the-match display with 92 off just 84 balls against the West Indies, this time out the former Belfast High School pupil survived just six minutes at the crease, facing nine balls.
Ed Joyce had a scare when the bails dislodged after a delivery clipped off-stump, only for them to land neatly in their groove.
Ireland’s next Pool B match sees them take on South Africa in Canberra on Tuesday, March 3.
United Arab Emirates: 278 for 9 (50 overs)
Ireland: 279 for 8 (49.2 overs)
Ireland won by two wickets