Young shines in Ireland’s latest tour win over Scots

Hamish Gardiner, Scotland, is bowled by Craig Young. Picture by Rowland White/Presseye

Bready pace bowler Craig Young continues to shine for Ireland ahead of the ICC World Cup.

The North West Warriors bowler played his part in their second win in the Dubai Tri-Series competition, this time over Scotland, on Monday.

Niall O’Brien scored an unbeaten 80 to steer Phil Simmons’ side to another three wicket win over Scotland.

The Leicestershire player showed all his experience in recording his highest ODI score - his previous best of 72 came in Ireland’s historic World Cup win over Pakistan in 2007.

The gritty left-hander shared a crucial 7th wicket partnership of 61 with John Mooney (36) after the game had been evenly poised with Ireland 143 for 6 chasing a Scotland total of 216/9.

O’Brien’s 80 came from 106 deliveries (3 fours, 2 sixes), as he cleverly rotated the strike, forging vital stands of 43 with Andrew Balbirnie (20) and 42 in conjunction with Gary Wilson (21) after Ireland had once again lost early wickets.

Earlier, Young’s opening burst had Scotland in early difficulties as they collapsed to 17 for 3.

The former Sussex player impressed yet again with the new ball, as he took 3 for 27 in his ten over spell.

It was a current Sussex player who rescued the Scotland innings, as Matt Machan shepherded the middle and late order towards a competitive total.

The sturdy left-hander top scored with 86 from 120 balls (4 fours), sharing a fifth wicket stand of 65 with Richie Berrington (28). Scotland’s final tally of 216 for 9 was boosted by the concession of 30 extras - 22 of which were wides.

Ireland are next in action on Saturday (5.30am) when they face Afghanistan.