Joyce stars in Ireland win

Left-hander provides platform for 17-run victory in Dubai

Last updated: 18th March 2012  

Joyce stars in Ireland win

Ed Joyce: 78 from 58 balls

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Ireland kept their ICC World Twenty20 qualifying campaign on track with a 17-run victory over Scotland in Dubai.

Ireland have now won four in a row since their opening day defeat to Namibia, while Scotland look increasingly likely to be edged out following their second loss.

Ed Joyce was the Irish matchwinner, scoring a rapid-fire 78 off 58 balls in his side's total of 159-5.

Gary Wilson (26) and Alex Cusack (22) topped up the score but it was Joyce, with six fours and three sixes, who did the real damage.

Majid Haq was Scotland's top performer with the ball, returning 2-18 in his four overs.

Early wickets

Trent Johnston got into Scotland's batsmen early, sending back Richie Berrington and Preston Mommsen in his first two overs.

But Kyle Coetzer started scoring freely in the middle order to drag his side back into contention.

He made 62, including four sixes, before all-rounder Kevin O'Brien had him caught and bowled.

O'Brien finished with three wickets as Ireland closed out the win with Scotland 142-7 at the close.

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