Ireland recovered from a batting wobble to secure an opening six-wicket win over United Arab Emirates at the Twenty20 World Cup qualifier in Abu Dhabi.
Chasing the hosts’ modest 105-9, Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis put on 51 for the opening wicket in 5.5 overs before the Irish slipped to 68-4.
But a 36-run partnership from Eimear Richardson and Orla Prendergast sealed Ireland’s victory as they reached their target in 16.1 overs.
Richardson and Arlene Kelly both took two United Arab Emirates wickets with Lewis top-scoring with the bat by registering 27.
Kelly and Lewis also contributed run outs which helped restrict the United Arab Emirates total after the hosts had made an encouraging start.