The luck of the Irish has helped deny United Arab Emirates (UAE) a thrilling maiden World Cup victory on Wednesday night.
Gary Wilson (80 off 69) made his own fortune to help guide Ireland (8-279) to a two-wicket win with four balls to spare at the Gabba.
Earlier, No.6 Shaiman Anwar struck 106 and shared a record World Cup seventh-wicket stand of 107 with Amjad Javed (42 off 35) to help lift UAE from 6-131 to 9-278.
Ireland are now on track for a quarter-final berth after backing up their shock opening win over West Indies – thanks to a little luck.
Despite the tense finish, Irish eyes always appeared to be smiling on the Emerald Isle’s team.
Opener Ed Joyce was bowled by Amjad Javed (3-60) on 17 with Ireland on 1-36, only for the bails to remain on the stumps.
Joyce looked back to see the LED lights-fitted bails flash when beaten by Javed then remarkably fall back into their groove.
Joyce’s luck ran out on 37 when Javed had him caught behind, ending a crucial 68-run second wicket stand that set up Ireland’s chase.
They stumbled at 4-97 in the 26th over before all-rounder Kevin O’Brien’s 25-ball 50 in a 72-run sixth-wicket stand with Wilson got the Irish in sight of a heart-stopping win.
Earlier, Anwar thrashed UAE’s first World Cup and second ODI ton.
Anwar’s knock is a UAE World Cup record highest score, eclipsing Saleem Raza’s 84.
He thrashed 10 fours and one six.
UAE fell just short of their record ODI team total of 7-285 posted in their opening four-wicket loss to Zimbabwe last week.
UAE are appearing at their first World Cup since 1996.
Paul Stirling (2-27) was the pick of the Irish bowlers.
The Bush
Roar Guru
When Ireland needed 160 off the last twenty (20) overs, I thought they had no chance. I am not sure why this has happened, i.e. whether it's due to the two (2) new balls, the fielding restrictions etc, or possibly more likely the advent of T20, but teams seem to follow a new innings pattern. Gone are the days of going crazy in the first fifteen (15), as invested by Sri Lanka, then consolidating and then trying to lift it in the final ten (10) overs. Instead it seems that teams are happy to build slowly at first, not lose wickets and then go absolutely mental in the last overs, really anywhere from over thirty (30) onwards, depending on wickets in hand. It is sort of like doing a T20 innings in the last end of an ODI innings if you have enough batsmen left...
Johnno
Guest
20 years ago in 1996, the UAE were crap they have improved a lot. These nations need more resources them and Ireland, there's some potential there.
jameswm
Guest
I have wondered whether the minnows should be at that tournament. But having just got my Foxtel back yesterday after about 3 months without it, I even watched this game. What a game! First UAE were battling and goiing to set a small target. Then I come back and find they managed 278. Geez they must have piled it on in the last 10 overs. Then I caught the end of the Irish innings. Ireland were out of it then, a few overs later, looking the likely victors. Then they lose a wicket and UAE are on top, then Ireland hit a few boundaries and take control, then they play a few dot balls and lose a wicket and UAE are on top. Ireland then scrape home. Helluva game!
b
Guest
This game is why the world cup should not be reducing the number of teams. Two minnows, neither of which has a realistic chance of winning the cup, but still it was a brilliant game of cricket. Outstanding performances with bat, ball and in the field, and a thrilling result. Well down to both Ireland and the UAE for showing what cricket, and the world cup are all about.