After Shaiman Anwar struck his maiden one day international century to guide the UAE to a decent total of 278-9, Ireland fell to 97-4 in their pursuit before they eventually recovered, thanks largely to Gary Wilson's 80, reaching  their target with four balls to spare.

Ireland's Kevin O'Brien also chipped in with a much-needed 50 to help steady the ship after they lost a flurry of early wickets, and the result keeps their qualification hopes very much alive following their surprise win over two-time World Cup winners West Indies in their opener.

Despite the defeat, the part-timers from the UAE can take consolation from their performance in what was a superb advert for the tournament.

Matches between the likes of the UAE and Ireland are likely to be at a premium at future Cricket World Cups following the International Cricket Council's decision to restrict the number of teams competing to 10, a disappointment to many as the two relative minnows provided one of the best spectacles of the competition so far.

The contest in Brisbane proved to be a topsy-turvy affair as the UAE were at one point restricted to 131-6, before a world record seventh wicket partnership of 107 between Anwar and Amjad Javed elevated them to a credible score.

Chasing 279 to win, the Irish side failed to find their form early on but as their innings progressed, they gradually grew more into the game.

Gary Wilson's innings of 80 proved crucial as Ireland claimed their second successive World Cup win, this time over the United Arab Emirates ©Getty Images





In the 39th over, with 108 still required, Ireland knew they had to increase their tempo and O'Brien alongside Wilson began to play more expansive shots, but true to the nature of the match, both batsmen lost their wicket late on, as did John Mooney.

That gave UAE the belief that they could end a torrid run of results against Ireland but Alex Cusac and George Dockrell maintain their composure to guide their side to a nervy victory.

Ireland's next match is due to be against the highly-fancied South Africans in Canberra on March 3, while UAE face reigning champions India on February 28.

The World Cup, being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, continues tomorrow when Afghanistan go up against Scotland in Dunedin.

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