Ireland impress in Sharjah stalemate

Keep up to date with all that's new around the world - read match reports and more from every international played

Captain Will Porterfield contributed an unbeaten second-innings century as a dominant Ireland settled for a draw in their Intercontinental Cup clash with the United Arab Emirates in Sharjah.

At the start of the fourth and final day, it appeared as though much would depend on whether the UAE, who resumed on 302 for six in reply to 589 for seven declared, would be able to avoid the follow-on.

Yet Ireland - seemingly with one eye on next week’s two World Cricket League fixtures that serve as qualifiers for the 2015 World Cup - opted to bat again despite dismissing their opponents for 360, with Trent Johnston claiming the final three wickets after Saqib Shah had retired hurt.

Porterfield, who represents Warwickshire at county level, duly helped himself to 101 not out in a total of 180 for three that featured 52 for Andrew White.

Ireland's mammoth first-innings score had been built on substantial contributions from throughout the top five, with Sussex skipper Ed Joyce and Leicestershire batsman Niall O'Brien enjoying particular success en route to 155 and 126 respectively.

In the UAE's determined reply, Khurram Khan struck 111, while Arshad Ali and Swapnil Patel helped themselves to 95 and 89 not out.

The result puts Ireland nine points clear of Afghanistan at the top of the Intercontinental Cup table, while the UAE are fifth among the eight teams.