Porterfield's half-century seals ODI series win for Ireland against UAE

Denzil Pinto 21:18 04/03/2017
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  • The 32-year-old batsman had smashed 100 in the 85-run victory on Thursday and the skipper hit another big score with a 76-run (eight fours) knock in Ireland’s eight-wicket triumph in Dubai.

    It was the UAE’s third consecutive loss to the European nation, having also tasted defeat in the Desert T20 in January.

    Having electing to bat first after winning the toss, UAE’s experiment in promoting Mohammad Naveed to the top of the order backfired when the 29-year-old was out for just four in the first over.

    Captain Rohan Mustafa (17) and Ghulam Shabber (1) both fell to Andy McBrine in quick succession as the hosts were 43-3 with just eight overs played.

    Shaiman Anwar (48) and Rameez Shahzad (41) revived the innings with a 76-run stand, which ultimately was their biggest partnership of the day as the hosts were all out for 202 in 47 overs.

    Craig Young (3-48) and Andy McBrine (3-42) were the pick of the bowlers for Ireland.

    Porterfield and Paul Stirling (41) gave them a strong start before Imran Haider removed the latter. Porterfield became Zahoor Khan’s only victim but Andy Balbirnie’s unbeaten 58 saw them home in 47 overs.

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