European decider looms large

Ireland and Scotland will go head to head in Dublin tomorrow as the ICC European Division 1 Championship comes to a nail-biting climax.

Both sides have won all four of their 50-over matches against Demark, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway and will be looking to remain undefeated in their bid to claim the European title.

For current champions Ireland, a win in the final match would give them their third European title, while for Scotland the prospect of a first crown beckons.

Scotland set up the final-day decider by making short work of a disappointing Dutch side at Clontarf yesterday, bowling them out for 117 and then reaching the target in 22.2 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Ireland extended their winning streak by beating Italy by four wickets at Malahide, overhauling a target of 159 in 36.5 overs.

In yesterday’s other fixture, Denmark registered a convincing eight-wicket victory over their Norway at the Vineyard thanks to an unbeaten century from captain Freddie Klokker.

Denmark meet the Netherlands tomorrow in their final game, knowing that a win would give them a third-place finish.