11:33 PM IST, 10:03 PM Local Time: Ireland take an unassailable lead in the two-match T20I series against UAE with a 57-run win at the Dubai International Stadium. A brilliant batting performance got the visitors to 178/6 and then an excellent display from spinners helped them defend the total with ease.
Opener Ross Adair top scored with 39, Lorcan Tucker scored 38. Benjamin Calitz (26* off 12) and George Dockrell (22* off 10) provided the finishing touches. Muhammad Arfan (1/20), Haider Ali (2/31) and Junaid Siddique (2/36) starred with the ball for UAE.
The hosts got off to a good start with the skipper Muhammad Waseem and Aryansh Sharma adding 54 runs for the first wicket. Sharma was sent back by Gareth Delany in the 7th over and the Irish bowlers never looked back.
Skipper Waseem top scored with 40 off 37 deliveries with wickets tumbling around him. Only Alishan Sharafu (16) and Arfan (15) scored into double digits. Matthew Humphreys and Gareth Delany finished with identical figures of 3/26. Barry McCarthy picked up a couple of wickets, George Dockrell and Mark Adair picked up a wicket apiece.