Porterfield, Balbirnie hit tons as Ireland beat UAE
dubai — William Porterfield and Andrew Balbirnie scored a century each as Ireland romped to a comfortable 67 runs victory over the UAE in the Tri-series one-day international series match played at the ICC Academy ground in Dubai on Saturday.
Porterfield, captain of Ireland, led from the front with a careerbest knock of 139 while Balbirnie scored 102 as the visitors piled up 301 runs for the loss of five wickets in the second game of the series also involving Scotland.
Porterfield and Balbirnie added 201 runs for the second wicket with Balbirnie registering his maiden first ODI century in the process. The duo came together at the fall of Paul Stirling’s wickets, who was dismissed on 20 after a 44-run opening partnersip with Porterfield.
Later, the hosts struggled despite a fighting knock of 50 by Rameez Shahzad.
Kevin O’Brien was the most succesful bowler for Ireland with four wickets for 41 runs. Andy McBrine took two wickets for 40 while Barry McCarthy ( 2 for 49) bowled out the UAE for 234 in 48.4 overs.
Ireland next take on Scotland on Monday and Wednesday as the teams gear for the World Cup qualifiers in March.