Ireland beat Scotland by three wickets in tri-series in Dubai

Niall O'Brien hit 80 from 106 balls for the Irish in Dubai

Niall O'Brien and John Mooney produced a seventh-wicket stand of 61 to help Ireland snatch victory over Scotland in Monday's tri-series game in Dubai.

Matt Machan's 86 helped Scotland post a modest 216-9 but in reply Ireland looked in trouble at 100-5 and 143-6.

However, O'Brien and Mooney steadied the Irish before the all-rounder top-edged a slower ball and was caught for 36 to leave 16 needed from 8.2 overs.

O'Brien finished unbeaten on 80 and saw Ireland home with 21 balls to spare.

It was a second comeback win in three days for the Irish after Alex Cusack's late stand with Andy Balbirnie helped snatch a three-wicket victory over Afghanistan on Saturday.

Scotland were defeated by the Afghans in the opening game in the one-day tournament which all three sides are using as preparation for the World Cup which starts in Australia and New Zealand next month.

O'Brien hit three fours and two sixes from 106 balls en route to his best one-day international score as Ireland overcame their poor start.

Scotland also endured early struggles as they slumped to 17-3 against the new ball before Machan helped them regroup.

Ireland paceman Craig Young saw off openers Kyle Coetzer and Calum MacLeod for just two runs between them before Machan dug in for a patient 120-ball innings, containing just four fours, before he was ninth out.

The Sussex left-hander added 65 for the fifth wicket with Richie Berrington (28), the only half-century stand of the innings.

In reply, the Irish stumbled to 7-2 as captain William Porterfield was out for a duck and Ed Joyce only managed five.

Kevin O'Brien's exit for 13 looked to have the Irish in big trouble at 100-5 before his brother and Mooney turned the contest.