Simi Singh shines with bat and ball in Ireland win

Ireland had lost the series opener by six wickets before a coronavirus outbreak among the home squad forced the four-match series to be reduced to two games.

Singh took five for 10 with his off-breaks, bowling four maidens and not conceding a single boundary in his 10-over allocation as the UAE were bowled out for 116.

Ireland had posted 228 for six after losing the toss and being put in.

Having collapsed to 10 for three and 99 for five, half-centuries from Curtis Campher (56) and Singh (54 not out) guided the tourists to a respectable total.

Zahoor Khan was the pick of the UAE bowlers with three for 35.

“I’m absolutely delighted obviously with the win and my personal performance as well,” said Singh. “It’s just one of those days when everything clicked with the bat and the ball.

“I’m really happy with that and great to level the series at one-all, which gives us momentum going into the next series against Afghanistan (from Thursday).

“The batting plan was quite simple, there were a good few more overs left when I went in to bat.

“When I went to the crease I had a chat with Curtis (Campher), the plan was to take the game as deep as we can.

“Luckily that happened for us, Curtis batted really well and the two lads up front, Harry (Tector) and Lorcan (Tucker), batted beautifully as well.

“Bowling-wise, the plan was to try and bowl as many dots as I can.

“Definitely the momentum from the batting innings carried on.

“I got a couple of wickets early and found a good rhythm.

“I luckily got to five wickets but am really happy we won by a big margin, which was important for us.

“The fielding was outstanding as well.

“That will give us huge confidence going forward.”

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