IRELAND have beaten the UAE by two wickets in a thrilling encounter at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Gary Wilson’s 80-run haul led Ireland to a nervy win, but it was George Dockrell and Alex Cusack who helped them reach their target of 279 in the last over and edge out their Pool B opponents.
Ireland chose to bowl first after winning the toss, with Cusack the only change to the starting line-up that faced the West Indies, replacing Andy McBrine.
Shaiman Anwar scored a maiden ODI century for the UAE, and it looked positive for the part-timers as the team hit 147 from their last 15 overs to record 278-9.
Ireland’s run chase began with Paul Stirling falling for just 1 in the second over. But Ed Joyce and captain William Porterfield managed an important 68-run partnership.
Niall O’Brien was brought to the crease when Joyce fell for 37, with Andrew Balbirnie taking to the field when Porterfield also fell for the same.
The UAE held Ireland back 97-4, but Kevin O'Brien (50) and Gary Wilson put on 72 from 36 balls for the sixth wicket to help rebuild the innings.
Ireland gave themselves plenty to do in the closing stages of the game, as Wilson, Mooney and O’Brien all fell late on.
It was left to Dockrell and Cusack to seal a dramatic finish, scoring the winning runs with just four balls remaining.
Ireland now have two wins from their opening two games.
They face South Africa in Canberra on March 3.
See More: Cricket World Cup 2015, Featured, Ireland Cricket
