Ireland won its previous ties against Afghanistan and Scotland in the tri-series in United Arab Emirates but on Saturday (January 17), an improved performance from Afghanistan's bowlers helped seal a resounding 71-run victory.
After an impressive performance against Scotland in the first match of the tri-series in the UAE, Afghanistan would have hoped to have a good time against the same opponents again, but on Wednesday things went completely pear-shaped for it.
Niall O'Brien's unbeaten 80 and John Mooney's all-round effort helped Ireland survive some batting wobbles to secure a three-wicket win against Scotland.
Ireland got its campaign in the tri-series in the United Arab Emirates off to a winning start as it recorded a three-wicket win over Afghanistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Afghanistan ticked most boxes in the first game of the tournament on Thursday, with a commanding eight-wicket win over Scotland at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.
Pace bowler Max Sorensen and wicketkeeper-batsman Andrew Poynter have missed out on Ireland's squad for the tour to UAE.
