Ireland’s Curtis Campher and George Dockrell combined in an unbroken 119-run stand to take their side to an unlikely six-wicket win over Scotland in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in Hobart and keep them in the hunt to qualify for the Super 12 phase.
The Irish looked headed for a second straight defeat in Group B when they were reduced to 61-4 in the 10th over chasing a daunting 177-run target to stay alive in the tournament before Campher and Dockrell came together at the crease.
Campher, who also picked up two wickets for nine runs with the ball, smashed an unbeaten 72 off 32 balls while Dockrell stayed for 39 not out as Ireland turned the match on its head to complete a victory with an over to spare.
A sparkling 86 from opener Michael Jones helped Scotland post 176-5 after they won the toss and chose to bat first.
After humbling two-time champions West Indies in their opening match, Scotland made a shaky start against the Irish but a 77-run third-wicket stand between Jones and captain Richie Berrington helped them lay the foundation.
Jones hit six fours and four sixes in his 55-ball knock while Berrington made 37 to lay the foundation for the late assault which fetched the Scots 54 runs in the last five overs.
In the day’s second match, the West Indies will look to resurrect their campaign with a win against Zimbabwe with the four teams vying for the two spots from the group for the Super 12 stage of the tournament.