Swashbuckling O'Brien Steadies the Ship and Blasts Ireland to Victory Over UAE

Ireland's Master Blaster, Kevin O'Brien rediscovered his mojo today when it was most needed.

O'Brien came in when Ireland were in trouble, but he was in no mood to add to that trouble.

O'Brien bludgeoned 50 in 25 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes, settling nerves in a partnership with the stylish back in form Gary Wilson.

However late wickets left Irish Fans with no nails as their team sneaked home with 4 balls to spare.

Barry Chambers: Kevin a typical Kevin O'Brien innings, nearly got us home, but a fantastic win.

Kevin O'Brien: Yeah a great win - I think the second half of the batting innings, and the first half of the bowling was exceptional from us. There are areas obviously for concern with the bowling at the death.

And that's just something we need to think about as individuals and as a group. But we fought back well from a position where we were behind the 8 ball, and we get over the line with 2 or 3 balls to spare.

So it's a great two points for us, moving forward. I mean we did some really good things in this game. And obviously there are some things that we can improve on.

Barry Chambers: What about Gary Wilson, he's been a wee bit out of form, maybe the critics were on his back a little, but he certainly answered them in style today didn't he?

Kevin O'Brien: Yeah`Wi llo' is a great player, and he has been for the last six or seven years. So you know, I've gone through a bit of a rough patch in the past, and obviously I would have known how he was feeling.

But you're only a good score away from getting back into form. And what a time to do it, 80 off 69 balls, and he's back to his fluid best. So he's a great player when he hits the ball, and you know he's a strong man as well, he can clear the ropes.

So it was a great innings from him, and we are just very grateful to get the two points.