ICC WC Qualifier: Ireland beat UAE by 226 runs (D/L method)

March 12 (CRICKETNMORE) - Ireland extended their unbeaten run against the United Arab Emirates to six matches when they won by 226 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method but the Asian side still progressed with two wins.

At the Old Hararians, captain William Porterfield and Paul Stirling bettered their opening partnership record as Ireland rattled 313 for six in 44 overs against the UAE. The two batsmen put on 205 runs after being sent in to bat, improving their 177-run stand during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 against the Netherlands in Kolkata.

Porterfield missed his 12th career century by eight runs when he was dismissed for 92 from 103 balls with 10 fours and two sixes, but 27-year-old Stirling notched up his seventh career century and first against the UAE when he was dismissed after scoring 126. His blistering innings included 15 fours and five sixes from 117 balls.

Kevin O’Brien then hit a quick-fire 26-ball 50 not out with seven fours and a six as Ireland finished at 313 for six from their 50 overs.

The UAE, in their turn, collapsed like a house of cards against Boyd Rankin, when the lanky fast bowler returned figures of 6-2-15-4 as the side from the Sheikhdom was dismissed for 91 in 29.3 overs. Off-spinner Simi Singh finished with three for 15, his best bowling in five ODIs.

Match Summary

Ireland beat the United Arab Emirates by 226 runs (revised target 318 runs in 44 overs), Old Hararians (Group A)

Ireland 313-6, 44 overs (Paul Stirling 126, William Porterfield 92, Kevin O’Brien 50 not out; Mohammad Naveed 3-84, Imran Haider 2-73)

UAE 91 all out, 29.3 overs (Boyd Rankin 4-15, Simi Singh 3-15, Barry McCarthy 2-26)

Player of the match – Paul Stirling (Ireland)

ICC Media Release