SYLHET, Bangladesh: Ireland beat the United Arab Emirates by 21 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis Method at the World Twenty20 on Wednesday after a game that was cut short by rain and also being twice interrupted by power failures.
Ireland was cruising at 103-3 in the 15th over of the Group B qualifier when the floodlights went out for a second time in 13 minutes -- and the rain came down.
Ed Joyce made 43 off 38 balls while captain William Porterfield was unbeaten on 33 before rain stopped further play.
The two seasoned Ireland batsmen took the total to 95 after Paul Stirling was struck on the elbow by a short pitched delivery of Sharif Asadullah in the first over and had to retire hurt in the next over with the total on 15.
UAE hit back in the closing stages with three wickets in the space of six runs, but by that time the outcome was all but decided.
"It was very pleasing to limit them to 120 on that pitch," Porterfield said. "Paul is fine and we know if we beat Netherlands we are through."
UAE was earlier restricted to 123-6 with Paul Stirling claiming 2-12 and Kevin O'Brien dismissing top scorer Shaiman Anwar (30) and Amjad Javed (19).
Ireland defeated Zimbabwe in its opening match and is now the favorite to advance after its last qualifier against the Netherlands.
Scores:
Ireland 103-3 in 14.2 overs (Ed Joyce 43, William Porterfield 33 not out; Sharif Asadullah 2-21) def. UAE 123-6 (Shaiman Anwar 30, Amjad Ali 20; Paul Stirling 2-12, Kevin O'Brien 2-17)
