Gary Wilson hit a career-best unbeaten 65 off just 29 balls as Ireland defeated Scotland to progress to the Desert T20 final in Dubai.
Wilson hit eight fours and three sixes to complete maiden Twenty20 international half-century as Ireland posted 211-6, the joint highest T20I score ever scored at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In reply, Scotland were dismissed for 113 as the Irish sealed their place in the final with a 98-run win.
The Irishmen have a strong first wicket partnership of 78 between Paul Stirling (60) and Stuart Poynter (39).
Wilson was Ireland’s top scorer in their innings, while Kevin O’Brien also contributed 30 to their total as they set Scotland a tough target for victory.
?Watch clips from @gwilson14's unbeaten 65 off just 28 balls today for @Irelandcricket. Well batted, Gary ??#P2bD pic.twitter.com/uMX6IL06Ys
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) January 20, 2017
It looked like Scotland might put up a good fight as Kyle Coetzer and Matthew Cross started strongly, before Cross was caught out by Andy McBrine with the Scots on 45.
From there things did not improve for them as they managed to get to 88/4, Coetzer top scoring on 40, before the Scots collapsed, losing their final six wickets for just 25 runs.
Ireland’s Jacob Mulder took four wickets for just 16 runs, while George Dockrell added another three wickets and Kevin O’Brien two.
But it was a disappointing final for Ireland, who were dismissed for just 71, as Afghanistan claimed victory in the inaugural Desert T20 competition in Dubai.
The final was Wilson’s 50th T20I appearance for Ireland.
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