Cricket World Cup: Fortunate Ireland edge out UAE

Kevin O'Brien plays a shot as Ireland take on the United Arab Emirates at the Gabba. Picture: Getty

IRELAND were bailed out by a giant slice of fortune and big innings from Gary Wilson and Kevin O’Brien as they beat the United Arab Emirates in a thriller at the Gabba.

After their stunning opening win over the West Indies in Pool B at the World Cup, Ireland looked to be deep in trouble this time against supposedly inferior opposition.

But 80 from man of the match Wilson and a spectacular 25-ball innings of exactly 50 from the destructive O’Brien spurred Ireland to a two-wicket victory, reaching their target of 279 with four balls to spare.

Early in the innings, former England batsman Ed Joyce incredibly survived a delivery striking his off stump, when the bails bounced and shuffled but landed immaculately back in place in their groove.

Left-hander Joyce was 16 not out and went on to make 37, crucial runs come the end of the game for Ireland as they made it two wins from two matches so far.

Joyce had another stroke of luck when spinner Mohammad Tauqir failed to grip on to a caught-and-bowled chance. But his run of fortune ran out in the 19th over when Amjad finally had his man.

Having reached 37, Joyce drove outside off stump but snicked the ball to wicketkeeper Swapnil Patil.

It looked like a significant blow to Ireland, who fell to 72 for two, having earlier lost Paul Sterling for just three runs in the second over.

Wilson said of his runs: “I was delighted. I hadn’t had too many coming into the game so it was nice to come back and make a good contribution.

“I was confident. I told myself it was my day and luckily enough it worked out.

“I’ve batted a lot with Kev over the years at county and international level and we dovetailed quite well together, it was great to have a partner like that.”