Scotland debutantes Michael Jones and Tom Sole performed brilliantly on their International debuts but could not prevent Ireland from notching up a convincing win in the 3rd match of the Tri-series being played at ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.
Michael Jones top-scored with 87 runs and was unfortunate to miss out on a International century on debut. Tom Sole also contributed 20 off 14 deliveries towards the end of the innings. Calum McLeod and Craig Wallace too got out in their 30’s and couldn’t push on as Scotland were bowled out for 219 in their 50th over.
Coach @Beagleboy172’s take on @mikejones04’s debut where he made 87 against Ireland. pic.twitter.com/hzdyfYiIK1
— Cricket Scotland (@CricketScotland) January 16, 2018
Boyd Rankin with 3/49 & Barry McCarthy with 2/42 were the pick of the bowlers with Kevin O’Brien, George Dockrell & Andy McBrine picking up a wicket apiece for Ireland.
Scotland managed to pick up Porterfield early in Ireland’s chase but a bludgeoning innings of 67 from 55 deliveries from Andrew Balbirnie took out all the steam out of Scotland bowlers as he thrashed them to the boundaries.
Scotland raised hopes of a comeback when they got both Balbirnie and Paul Stirling (38 off 51) in a short space of time but Niall O’Brien (55 off 53) played a classy innings to take Ireland close to victory.
Tom Sole picking both the wickets of Balbirnie & Stirling to cap a good day with his all-round skills.
Ed Joyce (31 n.o off 44) & Kevin O’Brien (13 n.o off 8) finished off the chase in quick time as Ireland reached 223/4 in only 34.5 overs to win the contest by 6 wickets.
Safyaan Sharif also managed to pick up couple of wickets to finish with 2/44.
