Ireland ease to World Twenty20 qualifier win over Uganda

Ireland need one more point to make next year's ICC World Twenty20 after a comfortable 48-run win over Uganda in Friday's qualifier in Abu Dhabi.

The Group A leaders face second-placed Hong Hong in their final qualifier at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday.

Gary Wilson top-scored with 40 as Ireland finished on 147-4, while Niall O'Brien added an unbeaten 35.

George Dockrell and Paul Stirling each picked up two wickets as Uganda fell well short of the target.

William Porterfield, who became the first Ireland player to register a T20 century in Wednesday's win over USA, scored 33 while fellow opener Paul Stirling chipped in with 16.

Ireland's modest run-rate of 7.35 gave Uganda a chance to chalk up a surprise win but they were squeezed by another good display by the Irish bowlers.

Spinners Dockrell (2-12) and Stirling (2-23) did most of the damage while Max Sorensen (1-13) and Trent Johnston (1-28) were also among the wickets.

Six of the 16 teams competing in the two groups will qualify for next year's World Twenty20 tournament in Bangladesh.

Ireland have won five of their six qualifiers - the other game, against Italy, was abandoned because of rain before a ball was bowled.