United Arab Emirates 133 for 7 (Patil 31, Rankin 3-17) beat Ireland 128 for 9 (Porterfield 72, Shahzad 2-10) by five runs
Scorecard
File photo – Mohammad Naveed helped UAE defend 133 with figures of 4-0-16-2 © ACC
United Arab Emirates completed a stunning comeback to defend 133 against Ireland and level the two-match series 1-1, in Abu Dhabi. Chasing 134 for victory, Ireland were coasting at 91 for 1 after 12.4 overs, before dramatically losing their way.
William Porterfield was run-out in the penultimate over, for a 60-ball 72, with Ireland still requiring 13 off 10 but not more than a run-a-ball was conceded therafter. Mohammad Shahzad, tasked with defending nine off the final over, gave away just three.
The chase looked like a canter with openers Porterfield and Paul Stirling adding 61 off 36 balls. However, Ireland crumbled after losing wickets in clusters. Save the top three, no other batsman crossed 5. Mohammad Naveed, Ahmed Raza and Shahzad were all economical and picked up two wickets apiece.
UAE posted a total of 133 for 7 on the back of Swapnil Patil’s 37-ball 31 and a host of cameos. Captain Amjed Javed provided the required impetus towards the end with a brisk 19. Boyd Rankin was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 17, while Max Sorensen returned figures of 4-0-16-2.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo