Ireland ease to win over United Arab Emirates in T20 clash

Ireland completed their stint in Sharjah by earning a six-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in Thursday's Twenty20 game.

Chasing a victory target of 123, Ireland got home with seven balls to spare, largely thanks to 58 from skipper William Porterfield.

Gary Wilson's unbeaten 35 also helped the Irish to their winning total.

Tim Murtagh was the pick of the Ireland bowlers with figures of 3-11 as the UAE reached 122-9 from their 20 overs.

Ireland's win followed their two one-day victories over the same opposition earlier this week, which put Phil Simmons's side on the brink of qualification for the 2015 World Cup.

Porterfield hit 77 in Wednesday's six-wicket World League win and followed up with more impressive form in Thursday's game.

Ireland have four more World Cup qualifiers and their impressive run-rate means one win from their fixtures against the Netherlands in July, or Scotland two months later, would see them qualify for the main tournament in Australia.

The Irish now have a two-month break from international cricket with their next action on 23 May when Pakistan come to Dublin for the first of two one-day internationals.