Ireland vs United Arab Emirates, 16th Match, Pool B - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane Date & Time: Feb 25, 01:30 PM LOCAL

Khurram Khan looked good for his 36 before getting out to George Dockrell © Cricbuzz

Openers Amjad Ali and Andri Berenger have got Ireland to 26 in five overs, decent scoring rate. Irish bowlers John Mooney and Max Sorensen are bowling in the early 130s and despite looking a bit fidgety in the middle, Ali has cracked a couple of boundaries to settle the nerves. Mooney is bowling wide of the stumps, perhaps an effort to get the ball to jag back in. The outfield too isn't the quickest; Ali and Berenger just ran four as the ball gave up inches inside the ropes.

Ireland have a golden opportunity to strengthen their case for the knockouts when they play fellow Associates United Arab Emirates in a Pool B encounter at Brisbane in the ICC World Cup on Wednesday.

The Irish's shock win against West Indies in their opener has given the group a big twist. India, Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies - due to their immense experience at the international level - were the pre-tournament favourites to advance from the group but the way Ireland chased down 305 - with 25 balls remaining and four wickets in hand - against the Caribbean team, the fourth spot in the group is not certain to go to a Test team anymore.

While both Ireland and UAE are Associate nations, the chasm between their cricket standards is very big. Ireland are considered to be the best Associate nation by many, and there is big support for them in their bid for the Test status.UAE, on the other hand, impressed against Zimbabwe in their opener, even though they ended up on the losing side. After making a competitive 285, they made their opponents' life difficult and if it weren't for a sixth-wicket 83-run stand between Sean Williams and Craig Ervine, they result might have been different.

@Irelandcricket @ICC come on Ireland!! 🍀🍀🍀

| A cop, 2 marketing execs, 3 salesmen, 4 bankers & a flight attendant - meet Team UAE

are still enjoying this!

so far

. Everyone anointed Ireland favourites but if they play this well from here could cause an upset.

8 12

Kevin O' Brien scored a 24-ball half-century, but was dismissed the very next ball. It was another slower ball, and he moved away from the line looking to hit over extra cover. Doesn't connect half as well as he'd have liked to, and scoops it straight into the fielder's hands.

The partnership lasted 72 off 26 balls and the last six over have fetched Ireland 76 runs. But more importantly, it has brought down the margin between runs and the number of balls. Wilson is looking set on 71, and with 23 needed from 24 balls, it has to be Ireland's game for the taking.

Kevin O' Brien tonked a 24-ball 50 and his knock could have well been the difference between the two sides ©Reuters

And Ireland are the winners. The match kept on swinging in both team's favour but the ninth-wicket pair of George Dockrell and Alex Cuscack Cusack got them home with four balls to spare.

Terrific game of cricket between two Associate sides - a win by two wickets, with four balls remaining. The first last-over finish of this World Cup. UAE were left handicapped by the injury to Guruge, who was immaculate in his first spell, but full credit to Ireland's middle order - especially Kevin O' Brein, whose 24-ball surge got Ireland the move on they so badly needed. Ireland, India and West Indies now share 4 points each.

Still think ICC should go in with ten teams for the next World Cup?

Mohammad Tauqir: It was a decent batting effort by Shaiman, he played a superb knock. Both of them played superbly. Both of them are really good batsmen, especially Shaiman, lower down the order. Initially, we did well, but in the later half the ball became wet and the ball was not helping the seamers. It went to the wire.

William Porterfield: Well, it was very close than what we would have wanted, but you will take the win any day of the week. I couldn't get going myself, but wickets in hand are always a big thing, especially if you have lads like Wilson and Kevin. Confidence is growing, we need to keep going with these performances. Score more runs than them. Take wickets upfront and manage to restrict them. But it was good to keep wickets in hand and at the end, it did help.