UAE continued their successful run in 2017 so far as they took on Ireland in a 2-day match in Dubai to prepare for their ICC Intercontinental Cup match, coming up against Afghanistan.
UAE bowlers managed to get Ireland all out for 255 in 70.2 overs with Gary Wilson’s 74 being the top score of the innings. There were notable contributions from Paul Stirling (45) and John Anderson (42). Ireland were well placed at 180/3 at one stage but lost their final 7 wickets in a cluster to get bowled out cheaply. Porterfield, Balbirnie & Kevin O’Brien failed to score much as the mainstays of the Irish batting line-up.
Amir Hyatt (6/44) was the wrecker in chief for the Irish innings and received good support from the other bowlers as well for UAE. Wilson and Anderson’s partnership of 106 for the 4th wicket was the highlight of the Irish innings.
UAE started off well to finish the day at 52/0 in their innings with both Rohan Mustafa (27 n.o) and Chirag Suri (22 n.o) seeing off the bowling attack for the Irish with good application and will look forward to continue the good work on the 2nd day of the practice game.
While UAE play Afghanistan in the final round of I-Cup match, Ireland will take on Scotland in their final game. Ireland are already hampered by the withdrawals of senior batsmen, Ed Joyce and Niall O’Brien from their squad. Stuart Poynter and John Anderson are the replacements for the above mentioned names.
