Niall O’Brien guided Ireland to a nervy three-wicket win over Scotland in the third match of the Tri-Series in Dubai.
After being set 216 to win in 50 overs, Ireland were in trouble on 38 for three before O’Brien knuckled down to see his side home and finish unbeaten on a career-best 80.
Will Porterfield had earlier won the toss and elected to field first, a decision which was justified as Scotland slipped to 45 for four in the 11th over.
Craig Young took 3-27 to skittle the top order, but Matt Machan and Richie Berrington staged a recovery before the latter fell for 28 with the score on 110.
50 for Machan. He's holding this innings together (66b 3x4s). Scotland 118/6 in the 27th. #IrevScopic.twitter.com/qcYiYq1PIJ
— Cricket Scotland (@CricketScotland) January 12, 2015
Ireland kept the pressure on their opponents with an electric fielding display, with George Dockrell and John Mooney, who also took 2-52, claiming run-outs, but Machan’s 86 was enough to drag Scotland to a competitive total of 216 for nine.
Porterfield and Ed Joyce were dismissed inside the first two overs as Iain Wardlaw and Rob Taylor continued the dominance of ball over bat.
Paul Stirling became Wardlaw’s second victim after looking dangerous for 28, but Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien and Andrew Balbirnie made handy contributions alongside the older O’Brien brother.
Mooney arrived at the crease with the score 143 for six and hit 36 as he and O’Brien took Ireland to within 12 runs of victory, before Alex Cusack came in to finish things off.
IRELAND WIN...100% record for 2015 still intact thanks to 80* from Niall O'Brien!! #IREvSCO
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) January 12, 2015