Ireland put up a disciplined bowling effort to restrict United Arab Emirates to 123 for six in their Group B qualifying match of the ICC World T20 here today.
Invited to bat, UAE openers started well putting on 35 runs in five overs, before Faizan Asif was run out. Shaiman Anwar top-scored for the Irish side with a 28-ball 30. Opener Amjad Ali made 20 while Amjad Javed scored a brisk 19 with the help of three fours towards the end.
Ali struck fours boundaries while Anwar hit two sixes, in what was a mediocre batting display.
Ireland bowling was led by Paul Stirling ( ) and Kevin O'Brien (2/17). The other bowlers chipped in with useful contributions as the UAE batsmen found the going tough in this crucial match.
There was a fourth-wicket partnership of 42 runs between Anwar and skipper Khurram Khan (16), but UAE kept losing wickets at regular intervals in the face of some inspired bowling by the Irish.
Placed third in the standings, Ireland have won the only match they have played so far, while UAE are yet to open their account.
