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Ireland in UAE, 4 ODI Series, 2021
United Arab Emirates vs Ireland - 1st ODI
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Date & Time: 08 January 2021
United Arab Emirates 270/4
RR: 5.51 | United Arab Emirates beat Ireland by 6 wickets
commentary
Victorious UAE skipper, AHMED RAZA, says that it was in UAE's mind that they have not beaten Ireland in this format and is simply thrilled with the result. Lauds Muhammad Usman and Chundangapoyil Rizwan for batting with responsibility, putting the bad balls away and taking minimum risks. On UAE's mentality with Ireland's score at 141/1, Ahmed says that they came back well in the middle overs but lost the plot towards the end, brutally assessing that they should have been chasing not more than 240! Hopes to do better on Sunday. Expects the senior bowlers to take the responsibility but gives plenty of praise for debutant Kashif Daud. Says that it is good to go 1-up and dedicates this win to his late father who passed away recently.
Irish captain, ANDY BALBIRNIE, bluntly says that Ireland were 20-30 runs short with the bat. Puts it down to rustiness and feels that they could have been more proactive with the bat. Credits UAE for planning the run chase well. Feels that UAE bowled well and the Irish batsmen found it difficult to get the ball away or score quickly. On Paul Stirling's knock, Andy calls him world class and also the best batsman of the side, striving hard for success. On UAE being 51/3, AB says that they felt they were bowling well but honestly admits that they could not maintain the pressure. Add that they will sit down and discuss how to improve with both bat and ball. Also says that they want to win games but also want to give some expousre to young players.
CHUNDANGAPOYIL RIZWAN HAS BEEN NAMED THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH. Rizwan is happy that his maiden hundred could lead UAE to a win. Thanks the management for supporting his side to allow them to prepare for this series and adds that all those preparations bore fruit. Stresses that the plan between himsefl and Muhammad Usman was to play 50 overs, with the belief that they can win. Admits that he was losing steam due to the heat but adds that Usman kept on encouraging him. Cheekily admits that during the lockdown, his wife used to give throwdowns to him and thanks his family for their immense support.
Muhammad Usman is up for a chat. Says that it is always good to be winning the first match, with batsmen scoring centuries. Praises his side for restricting Ireland under 300. On his batting partnership with Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Usman admits that the latter was a touch slow, so the plan was to attack at some point of time and take the pressure of Rizwan. Is confident of taking Ireland down in the coming games as well.
Ahh... well... Ireland. What did they do wrong? Ummm... perhaps did not read the stats page before coming for the toss. History has favoured the side chasing in day games at this venue, yet they chose to bat. Then, they lost their way through a collapse in the middle with the bat, falling perhaps 20-30 runs short. Paul Stirling was brilliant but he needed more from the top order. Then, in the field, on a good batting deck, their bowlers could not find much response. And their fielders did not support them. Catches dropped, run outs missed, they were very average. They will aim to do much better, come Sunday. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
The partnership for the 4th wicket was worth 184, which was nearly 70 percent of the required target! Both batsmen got to their centuries, survived a few close calls on the way but importantly, got the team through. Both players complemented each other nicely, taking on the mantle when the other was struggling. And towards the end, Waheed Ahmed came out and played a fine cameo, brushing aside all kinds of fears of a possible collapse. A day to remember and a win to savour.
Take a bow, Usman. Take a bow, Rizwan. Two experienced guys have shocked Ireland. UAE were chasing a high target, 270 and were in the doldrums, at 51/3. But in came Chundangapoyil Rizwan and Muhammad Usman. The duo bided its time and then increased the run rate as the game went deep.
48.6
1
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, UAE WIN BY 6 WICKETS! A full toss, on middle, Usman clips it between mid on and short mid-wicket. The ball races to the fence but before that, the single is completed. Well played, UAE!
48.5
4
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, FOUR! CENTURY FOR USMAN! The entire dugout of the UAE team stands in awe and respect for this veteran. What a fine knock. Full and around middle, Usman backs away to the leg side and hits it straight back over the bowler. Finds the fence down the ground! The helmet is off and there is a massive glee across his face.
48.4
0
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, A slower ball, short in length, Usman backs away, looks to cut but gets a bottom edge back into the pitch. Waheed comes halfway down for the single but is sent back.
48.3
1
Barry McCarthy to Waheed Ahmed, Around middle, WA flicks it behind square leg for a single. Usman wants the second but Waheed declines, showing that he is not cruel-hearted.
48.2
0
Barry McCarthy to Waheed Ahmed, Full and straight, Ahmed looks to turn it to the leg side but plays a touch too early. Gets a leading edge which goes along the ground to the bowler.
The ball seems to be lost somewhere beneath the covers. Frantically explored, are those covers. The umpires call for a spare ball instead.
48.1
4
Barry McCarthy to Waheed Ahmed, FOUR! Nerves for Usman! Tell you why. He is on 97 while the team needs just 6 for a win! He has a long chat with Waheed now. Full and outside off, Waheed leans and lofts it over cover for a boundary.
47.6
1
Craig Young to Waheed Ahmed, Full and outside off, driven towards extra cover for one.
47.5
1
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, And now, a quick single. MU pushes this towards backward point and Waheed calls him through for a quick run.
47.4
2
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Moves to 96 now. On middle and leg, this is turned through mid-wicket. Usman is tired but Waheed calls him through for the second.
47.3
1
Craig Young to Waheed Ahmed, Outside off, pushed towards cover for a run.
47.2
1
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Down the leg side, helped through square leg for a single. The stand moves to 20 from 10 balls.
47.1
2
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, pushed wide of long off for a couple.
Craig Young returns. 8-0-49-0 so far.
46.6
1
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, On middle and leg, Usman swings hard and gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. A quick single taken.
46.5
4
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, FOUR! 19 needed in 19 balls now! Full and outside off, Waheed punches this through the covers and beats sweeper cover to his right!
46.4
1
Barry McCarthy to Waheed Ahmed, Full and straight, flicked towards fine leg for a single.
46.3
4
Barry McCarthy to Waheed Ahmed, FOUR! 10 in 2 balls! Outside off, fuller in length, Waheed backs away and steers this pretty late, beating third man to his left!
46.2
6
Barry McCarthy to Waheed Ahmed, SIX! Waheed gets off the mark in style. A short ball, around off, Ahmed gets across and pulls it over deep square leg! 28 more needed in 21 balls.
46.1
1
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, A short ball, down the leg side, pulled to fine leg for a single.
Bowling change. Or not. McCarthy continues.
45.6
0
Curtis Campher to Waheed Ahmed, Outside off, a play and a miss.
45.5
0
Curtis Campher to Waheed Ahmed, Outside off, pushed towards point. Waheed wants single but is sent back. The throw comes to the keeper who misses it! Waheed was a goner!
Who walks in now? Waheed Ahmed walks in.
45.4
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, OUT! CAUGHT! That is a stunning catch. A length ball, around off, Rizwan swings for the heavens but does not quite time it that well. Two fielders converge - deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. Harry Tector loses the ball but at the last moment, spots it, dives to his right and takes a stunner! Rizwan departs for a fantastic 109 while the 184-run stand has been broken at last. 35 more needed from 26 balls now.
45.3
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, driven straight to short extra cover.
45.2
6
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, SIX! Up, up and away! Full and outside off, Rizwan gets under this and deposits it over long off!
45.1
2
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Good awareness shown by Campher. Full and outside off, Rizwan swings hard and just about gets it over mid on running back. The batsmen go for the second but Chundangapoyil takes it lightly. The throw comes in to the bowler who collects and fires a direct hit at the striker's end. The run out appeal is referred upstairs but replays show that CR is in.
DIRECT HIT! Has this partnership been broken? Nope. Rizwan is home.
Curtis Campher to bowl out. 9-0-23-1 so far.
44.6
4
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, FOUR! Finally he connects! Short and outside off, this is slightly wider, so Usman has enough time and room to go back and punch it through the covers. Sweeper cover gets across to his left, dives but cannot pull the ball back in!
44.5
0
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, And again. McCarthy is outdoing Usman here. Another slower ball, this is on a length, around off stump, MU looks to slash again, misses again. He is getting frustrated.
44.4
0
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, Excellent slower ball, on a length, outside off, angling away, MU backs away, slashes hard but misses.
44.3
0
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, A short ball, outside off, Usman pushes it through the covers. Paul Stirling dives to his right and makes a stunning stop.
44.2
1
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, heaved wide of mid-wicket for a run.
44.1
1
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, A slower one, short in length, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. Barry McCarthy has returned to bowl. 7-1-26-2 so far.
43.6
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, pushed through cover for a run. Usman moves to 80 from 92. 49 more needed in 36 balls. The stand moves to 170 in 187 deliveries.
43.5
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Quicker one outside off, MU looks to go over the off side but misses. Quick glovework by Tucker.
43.4
1
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, CENTURY FOR RIZWAN! Well played. Really well played. He has held his team together, sticking like a glue when they were falling apart. Can he take them over the line though?
43.3
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Very full, outside off, dug out back to the bowler.
43.2
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Fuller, around middle, pushed down to long on for a single. Gets Rizwan back on strike.
43.1
6
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, SIX! CLUNK! A short ball, outside off, Usman rocks back and pulls it over wide long on!
42.6
1
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, steered behind point for another single.
42.5
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, 99 now. Outside off, punched through point for one. 59 needed in 43 balls. The stand moves to 160 in 180 deliveries.
42.4
1
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, crunched through point for a run.
42.3
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, Rizwan opens the face of his bat at the last moment and guides it with soft hands, towards third man, for a single. Moves to 98.
42.2
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, pushed towards cover.
42.1
1
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Full and outside off, pushed away from his body, through cover-point for a single. Usman moves to 70 from 86 balls.
Curtis Campher is back on. 8-0-18-1 so far.
41.6
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, spinning in, Chundangapoyil misses his flick and is hit on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW but it is turned down. Missing leg.
41.5
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, punched through cover-point for one.
41.4
1
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Another tight single. Full and outside off, Rizwan gets down and sweeps it towards short fine leg. The batsmen take the fielder on but make it through comfortably.
41.3
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, played with an open face of the bat towards short third man.
41.2
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Full and around leg, eased down to long on for a run.
41.1
1
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Down the leg side, helped through square leg for a single.
Andy McBrine is back on. 7-0-36-0 so far.
40.6
1
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Short and outside off, slapped through the covers for another single.
40.5
1
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, A short ball, pulled to deep mid-wicket for one.
40.4
1
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, steered behind point for a run. The stand is now worth 150 in 167 balls.
40.3
1
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, 200 UP FOR THE UAE! 69 more needed in 56 balls. Outside off, pushed trough mid on for a single.
40.2
4
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, FOUR! CLUBBED! This is now the highest 4th wicket stand for UAE. A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a boundary!
40.2
0
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, WIDE. Down the leg side Usman misses his flick.
40.1
0
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
39.6
1
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, A short ball, pulled through square leg for a run.
39.5
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, chipped wide of mid on, to his right, for a single. There is a collision between Adairand Rizwan, as both were ball-watching.
39.4
1
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, A slower ball, short in length, outside off, pulled down to fine leg for a run. Usman moves to 60 from 78 balls.
39.3
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around middle, helped through mid-wicket for a single. 79 more needed from 63 balls. The stand moves to 140 from 160 deliveries.
39.2
4
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, FOUR! What a lovely shot. Full and outside off, Rizwan comes forward and lofts it over mid off. There is long off in place but the ball is well wide of him, to his right! Chundangapoyil moves to 91 from 118 deliveries.
39.1
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, Rizwan comes forward to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. Adair puts in a belated LBW appeal but the umpire is not fooled.
38.6
0
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Huge LBW shout but pitched outside leg. Usman misses his flick and is hit on the pads.
38.5
1
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, On off, pushed towards cover with soft hands for a quick single.
38.4
0
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
38.3
1
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Dropped short, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run.
38.2
1
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, steered towards third man for a single.
38.1
4
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, FOUR! Nice way to start the over. Full and outside off, Rizwan leans and blasts it to the right of a diving cover fielder, beating mid off to his left! 87 more needed from 71 balls.
Craig Young returns. 6-0-33-0 so far.
37.6
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, dabbed to third man for a run.
37.5
4
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, FOUR! Full and outside off, Rizwan lofts this over mid off and finds the fence!
37.4
1
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Slice of fortune for Usman again! Comes down the trck, takes it on the full, looks to heave but miscues it high in the air. But it lands safe, wide of long on! A single taken.
37.3
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, On middle, nearly chipped back to the bowler. Lands just short.
37.2
4
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, FOUR! Goes over! A length ball, around middle, Usman heaves this over mid on and clears the fielder. Finds the boundary. 97 more needed from 76 balls. The stand moves to 122 from 147 deliveries.
37.1
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, A length ball, around middle and leg, nudged to the leg side.
36.6
1
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Good run. Usman spots that Kevin O'Brien is at the edge of the circle at mid off, so pushes it towards him with soft hands and runs through.
36.5
0
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, pushed towards point.
36.4
0
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Full and outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
36.3
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Short and outside off, cut through point for a single.
36.2
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, driven towards cover.
36.1
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, On a length, outside off, Rizwan feels for it but the ball lifts after pitching and beats him.
35.6
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
35.5
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Uppish, just short! Full and outside off, Usman is in two minds, whether to play this down the ground or go over mid off and ends up checking his shot. Nearly finds Craig Young at mid off.
35.4
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, driven through the covers for another single.
35.3
1
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, On a length, outside off, steered towards third man for one.
35.2
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
35.1
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, pushed towards point.
34.6
2
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, HALF CENTURY FOR USMAN! After seemingly spending an age on 49, he finally gets there. A length ball, around middle and leg, MU tucks it through square leg. Takes the single and charges back for the second. There is a direct hit at the striker's end and it is referred upstairs. But replays show that Usman is in. After 35 overs, the comparison makes for an interesting viewing. UAE are 164/3, while Ireland were 165/4!
34.5
0
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, On middle and leg, tucked to the leg side.
34.4
0
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Around off, pushed towards cover.
34.3
0
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
34.2
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, On a length, outside off, run down to third man for a single.
34.1
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, Rizwan looks to drive but misses.
33.6
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, He stays on 49. Usman nudges it to the leg side.
33.5
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Slower ball, outside off, blocked back to the bowler.
33.4
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Arches back and plays the late, late cut towards third man for a run.
33.3
2
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, carved over cover for a couple.
33.2
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, pushed towards point.
33.1
2
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, DROPPED! Rizwan gets a life. A short ball, outside off, Chundangapoyil looks to heave it over mid on. But the ball gets big on him and he miscues it. Craig Young keeps his eyes on the ball, gets his hands to the ball, takes the catch but as he completes his fall and his elbow hits the ground, the ball pops out. A single taken.
Mark Adair is back on. 4-0-22-0 so far.
32.6
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Suicidal single. CR pushes this towards mid off and calls through for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end, charging in, but misses the stumps. Rizwan was more than a yard short.
32.5
1
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, A short ball, outside off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for another single.
32.4
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A short ball, outside off, Chundangapoyil backs away and slashes it down to third man for one.
32.3
1
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Slower ball, fuller in length, but down the leg side. Flicked towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
32.2
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Arches back and then guides it late to third man for a single.
32.1
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A length ball, outside off, shapes in after pitching, puhed to the off side.
Curtis Campher is back on. 5-0-8-1 so far.
31.6
0
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, Around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
31.5
1
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, 100-RUN STAND COMES UP! Excellent recovery. A short ball, down the leg side, helped towards fine leg for a single. 119 more needed from 109 balls.
Seems like Rizwan is hurt. The impact of the previous ball could have been on the left knee. The physio and the magic spray come out. That hit Usman right above the knee roll. And it seems like he is cramping up as well. The umpires have taken the opportunity to call for a quick DRINKS BREAK. Have to admit, UAE have surprised us. They have made a good fist of this target and come within touching distance of getting Ireland worried. Still a long way to go, with 120 more needed but they have at least got some hope.
31.4
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Massive shout for LBW. Turned down. Going down the leg side. A length ball, around off, Chundangapoyil gets across to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. The angle was taking it down the leg side.
31.4
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, WIDE. Down the leg side, flick shot missed.
31.3
2
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Oopsss... another of those curious shots. This is the duck-ramp now. A short ball, outside off, angling in, Rizwan initially look to duck but at the last moment, plays the upper cut. Mistimes it, but the ball lands safely near third man. Two runs taken.
31.2
1
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, A short ball, around middle, angling away, pulled all along the ground, straight to deep mid-wicket for a single.
31.1
0
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, On a length, around middle, defended back to the bowler.
30.6
2
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Lovely shot again but even better effort in the outfield. Full and outside off, Rizwan opens up and drives it through the covers. The ball races away but sweeper cover dives to his right and parries it to long off getting around. Two runs taken.
30.5
0
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, On middle and leg, turned straight to square leg.
30.4
2
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, chipped uppishly over cover for a couple.
30.3
1
Gareth Delany to Muhammad Usman, Around middle, helped through square leg for a run.
30.2
1
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, beautifully driven through the covers for a single. 129 more needed from 118 balls.
30.1
1
Gareth Delany to Muhammad Usman, Around middle, helpedthrough square leg for a single.
29.6
1
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, A length ball, around middle and leg, helped through square leg for one more. After 30 overs, UAE are 139/3. Ireland were 145/2 at this stage!
29.5
1
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Oh my. What an awkward-looking shot. The duck-hook. A short ball, aimed right at the head, Rizwan initially looks to duck but subconsciously, plays the hook shot as well. Somehow, he plays that, with his eyes closed and gets a single down to fine leg.
29.4
1
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, A length ball, outside off, the upper cut is played towards third man for one.
29.4
0
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, WIDE. Down the leg side, tuck shot missed.
29.3
1
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, steered through third man for a run.
29.2
1
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, A short ball, around middle, MU swivels and helps it through square leg with a Nataraja pull shot, for a single.
29.1
0
Barry McCarthy to Muhammad Usman, A length ball, outside off, Usman looks to run it down to third man but gets a bottom edge back to the bowler.
Change of pace. Barry McCarthy returns. 5-1-16-2 so far.
28.6
0
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A short ball, down the leg side, pulled straight to short fine leg.
28.5
2
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, puhed through the covers for a couple.
28.4
1
Gareth Delany to Muhammad Usman, Around middle, helped through square leg for a run. 139 more needed from 128 balls. The stand is now worth 80 from 95 deliveries.
28.3
1
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, punched through cover for a cheeky single.
28.2
4
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan,FOUR! 50 FOR RIZWAN! But the job is not done. And Rizwan knows that. Hence, he is not celebrating. A short ball, around off, Chundangapoyil swivels and pulls it behind square leg. The ball races away. Usman now has a few words of advice for him.
28.1
3
Gareth Delany to Muhammad Usman, A short ball, spinning own the leg side, helped past short fine leg. Paul Stirling takes a while to get the ball and then release it and the batsmen take the third on the throw.
27.6
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, This is pressed through the covers for a single.
27.5
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
27.4
6
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, SIX! CLOBBERED! Full and around middle, Usman comes down the track and swings it well over the 70-metre boundary at long on! 148 more needed from 134 balls. The stand is worth 70 from 89 deliveries.
27.3
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Around middle, turned towards square leg.
27.2
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, pushed straight to cover.
27.1
1
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Risky shot. Full and around off, Rizwan gets down to sweep and is hit on the pads. The ball runs down fine and the batsmen take a single, with the Irish appealing for LBW. But it is turned down as there was wood involved.
26.6
1
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Frustration for the bowler. But he only has himself to blame. Around middle and off, Chundangapoyil pushes it back to the bowler. Delany collects and then has a back-flick at the stumps at the non-striker's end, only to miss and concede an overthrow.
26.5
0
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around off, driven straight to cover.
26.4
4
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, FOUR! Lovely shot. Full and around middle, Rizwan steps out again, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over mid on! 157 more needed from 140 balls. The stand moves to 62 from 83 deliveries.
26.3
0
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around off, pushed to the off side.
26.2
1
Gareth Delany to Muhammad Usman, A full toss, around middle, pushed down to long on for a run.
26.1
1
Gareth Delany to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Straightaway, use of the feet. Rizwan jumps out and drives it wide of long off for a single.
Gareth Delany comes in to bowl his leg breaks now.
25.6
1
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, driven wide of mid off for a single.
25.5
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around off, driven back to the bowler.
25.5
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, WIDE. Fired outside leg, Rizwan misses his tuck.
25.4
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, driven back to the bowler.
25.3
2
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A touch short, lap-pulled towards fine leg for a couple.
25.2
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around off, swept through fine leg for a run.
25.1
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, pushed behind point for a single.
24.6
1
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Full and down the leg side, flicked towards fine leg for one. UAE are 102/3 at the halfway mark. Ireland were 131/1.
24.5
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Around off, pushed back to the bowler.
24.4
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around off, pushed through the covers for arun.
24.3
1
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Full and around off, pushed towards cover for a tight, tight single.
24.2
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, pushed through point for a run.
24.2
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, WIDE. A full toss, down the leg side, flick shot missed.
24.1
1
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, pushed towards cover for a single.
23.6
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a run.
23.5
1
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around middle, this is pushed through mid off for a single.
23.4
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around middle, pushed towards mid on.
23.3
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around middle and leg, blocked out.
23.3
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, WIDE. Down the leg side, Rizwan looks to pull but misses. The keeper appeals enthusiastically but the umpire just stretches his arms.
23.2
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and down the leg side, driven towards mid off.
23.1
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, pushed towards the bowler.
22.6
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Very full, outside off, steered behind point for one.
22.5
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, tight line, watchfully defended.
22.4
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, And again. Action replay of the previous delivery.
22.3
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, driven straight to cover.
22.2
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Short and outside off, punched straight to cover this time.
22.1
4
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, FOUR! Up and over! Full and outside off, Rizwan comes forward and looks to go over top. Does not time it from the middle of the bat but clears mid off and gets a boundary. 178 more needed 167 balls. Chundangapoyil moves to 33 from 59 deliveries. The stand is worth 41 from 56 balls.
21.6
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Around middle and leg, helped towards substitute Simi Singh at short mid-wicket.
21.5
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Around off, slower through the air, defended to the off side.
21.4
2
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Full and outside off, chipped in the air, well wide of cover, wide of long off for a couple.
21.3
4
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, FOUR! BRUTAL! Little bit of flight, too full in length and Muhammad Usman needs no second invitation. Frees his arms and swings it over mid-wicket. Moves to 22 from 31 balls.
21.2
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, dabbed towards cover.
21.1
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Full and outside off, Usman looks to drive but the ball pitches and then spins away, to beat the outside edge.
20.6
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, watcfully defended to the off side.
20.5
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A short ball, outside off, Chundangapoyil looks to slap it away but mistimes it towards short extra cover.
20.4
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, pushed back to the bowler.
20.3
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, watchfully pushed towards point.
20.3
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, WIDE. Full and down the leg side, Rizwan misses his flick.
20.2
4
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, FOUR! Edged away! Full and outside off, Rizwan looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge which flies through the vacant slip cordon to the third man fence.
20.1
1
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Down the leg side, helped towards fine leg for a single.
19.6
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, This is pushed between cover and mid off for a single. After 20 overs, UAE are 76/3. Ireland were 96/1.
19.5
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Slower through the air, fuller in length, a bit of drift in as well, pushed towards cover.
19.4
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, On middle and off, pushed straight back to the bowler.
19.3
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Around off, coming in, pushed with the splice of the bat to the off side. Usman wants the single but Rizwan is not keen and yells a loud no.
19.2
1
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, Rizwan comes down the track and drives it to long on for a single.
19.1
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around off, well defended.
18.6
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
18.5
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, blocked to the off side.
18.4
4
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, FOUR! A short ball, down the leg side, Usman help-pulls it to the fine leg fence. 196 more needed from 188 balls. The stand moves to 23 fom 35 deliveries.
18.3
0
Mark Adair to Muhammad Usman, Fuller and around middle, defended back to the bowler.
18.2
1
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, On a length, outside off, steered behind point for a single.
18.1
0
Mark Adair to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Yorkr length, outside off, squeezed towards point.
Been a long time! Finally, Mark Adair comes into the attack.
17.6
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
We have a bit of a delay as there is no one to get the ball.
17.5
6
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, SIX! BOSH! Out of the blue! Landed outside off, a touch short, Usman just brings out his short-arm jab and sends it sailing over mid-wicket!
17.4
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Full and outside off, driven towards mid off.
17.3
1
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, driven down to long on for a single.
17.2
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, punched towards the bowler.
17.1
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
DRINKS BREAK. Ireland well on top here. They are taking wickets at regular intervals and keeping the UAE in check.
16.6
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Landed outside off, driven towards mid off.
16.5
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, pushed towards point.
16.4
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, pushed towards mid on.
16.3
1
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, A short ball now, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. 209 more needed from 201 balls. The stand moves to 10 from 22 deliveries.
16.2
0
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, driven straight to cover.
16.1
0
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
15.6
2
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, worked around fine leg for a couple.
15.5
1
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, SAFE. Outside off, Usman looks to cut but mistimes it to cover. There is a bit of a yes-yes and a no-no but eventually they go through for the single. The fielder swoops in at cover, picks the ball and returns a good throw to the keeper who disturbs the stumps. The run out appeal is referred upstairs but replays show that Rizwan has dragged his bat in.
We have a run out appeal! Is this close? Nope. Looks safe, does Rizwan.
15.4
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
15.3
0
Andy McBrine to Muhammad Usman, Full and around middle, worked to tthe leg side.
15.2
1
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, punched down to long on for a single.
15.1
0
Andy McBrine to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, pushed to the leg side.
14.6
0
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, On a length, outside off, pushed to the off side.
14.5
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, driven through the covers. Short extra cover gets a hand to it, with a slide to his right and parries it to mid off. Just a single.
14.4
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside offf, punched towards cover.
14.3
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around off, well defended.
14.2
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, pushed towards point.
14.1
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, DROPPED! A length ball, down the leg side, Rizwan looks to glance it fine. However, he only manages to guide it to the keeper. But Lorcn Tucker is unable to hang on! A sitter!
13.6
0
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Full and around leg, pushed towards short mid-wicket.
13.5
0
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, This is pushed to the on side now.
13.4
0
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Around middle, pushed to the off side.
13.3
2
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Full and around the stumps, Usman backs away and swings it straight back. Gets only a couple.
13.3
0
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, NO BALL. Young oversteps and bowls it on a length, around middle, it is defended. Free Hit coming up...
13.2
0
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Around off, watchfully defended.
13.1
0
Craig Young to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, on a length, left alone.
12.6
1
Curtis Campher to Muhammad Usman, Outside off, punched through the covers for a run.
The experienced Muhammad Usman walks in next, at number 5, replacing Sharafu.
12.5
0
Curtis Campher to Alishan Sharafu, OUT! CAUGHT BY THE KEEPER! The finger is raised this time. Full and wide outside off, Sharafu looks to drive but is beaten by pace. Gets a thick outside edge, which is snaffled by the keeper. After failing to convince the umpire on the previous ball, this time the bowler manages to earn a nod. UAE in trouble now. 218 more needed from 223 balls.
12.4
0
Curtis Campher to Alishan Sharafu, A length ball, outside off, bowled from very wide of the crease, Sharafu looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Campher appeals, puts in an extension too but the umpire shakes his head. Going down leg.
12.3
0
Curtis Campher to Alishan Sharafu, Outside off, pushed towards point.
12.2
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A length ball, around middle, helped behind square leg for a single. 219 more needed from 226 balls.
12.1
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, pushed towards mid off.
11.6
0
Craig Young to Alishan Sharafu, Landed outside off, Sharafu looks to steer it to third man but misses. Good finish to the over for Young.
11.5
0
Craig Young to Alishan Sharafu, A length ball, outside off, punched towards cover.
11.4
0
Craig Young to Alishan Sharafu, Full and around off, driven towards mid off.
11.3
1
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full again, this is driven through the covers for a single. 50 UP FOR UAE. 220 more needed from 231 balls.
11.2
0
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
11.1
4
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, FOUR! Welcome back! Fractionally short in length, outside off, Rizwan gets on top of the bounce and punches it through cover! The stand moves to 11 from 19 balls.
Craig Young gets a change of ends. 4-0-25-0 so far.
10.6
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, No, not a maiden. A short ball outside off, CR arches back and cuts it through point for a single. Excellent over from Campher.
10.5
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full once more, driven this time, but finds mid on. Could this be a maiden?
10.4
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Another dot ball. Full and around off, Chundangapoyil can only defend.
10.3
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, Rizwan gets across and punches it towards mid on.
10.2
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A length ball, outside off, punched through the covers but cannot beat Harry Tector's dive at cover-point.
10.1
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, punched towards cover.
9.6
0
Barry McCarthy to Alishan Sharafu, Outside off, watchfully defended. That is 44/2 in Powerplay 1 for the UAE. Ireland were 55/1 at this stage.
9.5
1
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A short ball, outside off, Rizwan swivels and pulls it towards fine leg for one.
9.4
1
Barry McCarthy to Alishan Sharafu, Quick single. Outside off, Alishan looks to push but the ball nips back in and takes the inside edge, which goes past the stumps towards square leg. A run pinched.
9.3
0
Barry McCarthy to Alishan Sharafu, A length ball, outsideoff, Sharafu looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the body.
9.2
1
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around middle, helped towards short mid-wicket for a quick single.
9.1
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and just outside off, pushed towards mid off.
8.6
1
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, driven towards mid off for a single.
8.5
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket.
8.4
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Slower ball, on a fuller length, outside off, pushed towards point.
8.3
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Fuller, outside off, driven straight to mid off.
8.2
0
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Again on the back foot, again a punch but cannot get past Harry Tector at backward point who dives to his right to stop the ball.
8.1
2
Curtis Campher to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, punched through the covers for a couple.
In walks the debutant, Alishan Sharafu. Curtis Campher comes into the attack now.
7.6
0
Barry McCarthy to Zawar Farid, OUT! CAUGHT BY THE KEEPER! The UAE are 2 down with both openers back in the hut. A nothing shot from Farid. On a length, outside off, Zawar tays leg side of the ball and looks to punch it through the off side, without moving his feet and gets a thick outside edge. The keeper, Lorcan Tucker, dives to his right and takes the catch.
7.5
0
Barry McCarthy to Zawar Farid, McCarthy charges in, bangs a heavy ball, outside off, Zawar calmly defends.
7.4
1
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, on a length, Rizwan punches it through point but Harry Tector at backward point dives to his right and parries it to cover. Just a single. The stand moves to 20 from 26 balls.
7.3
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, driven back to the bowler.
7.2
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and around middle, helped to the leg side.
7.2
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, WIDE. Another one down the leg side, flick shot missed again.
7.1
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around middle, pushed towards mid on.
7.1
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, WIDE. Down the leg side, Rizwan misses his flick.
6.6
4
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, FOUR! BOOM! Cracking shot. A short ball, outside off, Farid swivels and pulls it over mid-wicket. Nearly gets it all the way!
6.5
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Fuller and around off, pushed towards mid on.
6.4
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
6.3
1
Craig Young to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Short and outside off, cut through point for a single.
6.2
1
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Outside off, steered behind point for a run.
6.1
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, A length ball, outside off, Farid looks to go big and straight but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
5.6
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and outside off, played towards point.
5.5
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A short ball, outside off, CR arches his back and then sways away.
5.5
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, WIDE. Down the leg side, Chundangapoyil misses his flick.
5.4
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, A length ball, around off, driven towards mid on.
5.3
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Around off, on a length, pushed towards cover.
5.2
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, punched straight to point.
5.1
4
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, FOUR! That is some shot. Full and outside off, hammered over the bowler down the ground, through mid off!
4.6
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Outside off, punched straight to point. After 5 overs, UAE are 24/1. Ireland were 26/0.
4.5
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Around off, clipped straight to short mid-wicket.
4.4
4
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, EDGED, FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Farid goes after the width and swings hard. Gets a thick outside edge but luckily for him, it flies over the slip cordon to the third man fence. 246 more needed from 272 balls.
4.3
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Outside off, on a length, punched towards cover.
4.2
2
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Around off, chipped down, over mid on for a couple.
4.1
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Outside off, defended to the off side.
3.6
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Full and down the leg side, Rizwan misses his flick and the ball goes to the keeper. The Irish appeal for the catch but the umpire indicates pad. End of a fiery over.
3.5
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, driven straight to point.
3.4
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
3.3
0
Barry McCarthy to Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Huge, huge shout for LBW! Turned down. But why? That looked close. A length ball, around off, Rizwan played all around it, looking to flick but missed. He was hit on the pads, prompting an LBW shout but the umpire shook his head. That looked plumb.
Chundangapoyil Rizwan walks in at number 3, replacing Aravind.
3.2
0
Barry McCarthy to Vriitya Aravind, OUT! CAUGHT! Aravind falls. He seemed to want to get on top of the bowlers but has been removed now. A length ball, good change in pace, Aravind looks to turn this to the leg side but cannot keep it down. Finds substitute James McCollum at short mid-wicket, who, we suspect, is on for Stirling.
3.1
0
Barry McCarthy to Vriitya Aravind, Leading edge, safe! A length ball, around middle, Aravind looks to flick it to the leg side but plays a bit too early. The leading edge is induced but it does not carry to mid on.
2.6
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, A yorker to end the over, around off, well dug out.
2.5
1
Craig Young to Vriitya Aravind, Outside off, steered behind point fora single.
2.4
0
Craig Young to Vriitya Aravind, Around middle and leg, pushed towards short mid-wicket.
2.3
0
Craig Young to Vriitya Aravind, Outside off, driven straight to cover.
2.2
4
Craig Young to Vriitya Aravind, FOUR! FABULOUS! Class act. Overpitched, outside off, Aravind leans and drives it through the covers!
2.1
4
Craig Young to Vriitya Aravind, FOUR! Lovely shot. A full toss, around off, Aravind just flicks it through mid-wicket!
1.6
1
Barry McCarthy to Vriitya Aravind, Around off, helped through square leg for a single.
1.5
0
Barry McCarthy to Vriitya Aravind, Outside off, pushed towards point.
1.4
4
Barry McCarthy to Vriitya Aravind, FOUR! Full and outside off, this is driven through the covers.
1.3
0
Barry McCarthy to Vriitya Aravind, Around middle, defended to the leg side.
1.2
0
Barry McCarthy to Vriitya Aravind, Short and outside off, Aravind slashes hard but misses.
1.1
0
Barry McCarthy to Vriitya Aravind, Outside off, fuller ball, pushed to cover.
Barry McCarthy to bowl with the second new ball.
0.6
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Outside off, full and wide, a swing and a miss from ZF.
0.5
4
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, FOUR! Fine way to start the run chase. Full and around off, Farid whips it to the mid-wicket fence!
0.4
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, That is a fine yorker, outside off, Zawar looks to dig it out but misses.
0.3
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Around off, pushed to the off side.
0.2
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Outside off again, well blocked out.
0.1
0
Craig Young to Zawar Farid, Outside off, on a length, Farid looks to defend but misses.
Okay! We didn't expect that, did we? United Arab Emirates have pulled off a stunning win over Ireland in the first of this 4-match ODI series. Will the feeling sink in before Sunday? Can they take this momentum into the second ODI? Or will Ireland come roaring back? Join us on 10th January, 2021, from 9.30 am local (0530 GMT). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!