Morgan century puts Ireland in command on first day

A maiden first-class century for Eoin Morgan helped Ireland establish a strong position on day one of their Inter-Continental Cup semi-final against United Arab Emirates in Wanderers CC, Windhoek, yesterday.

The 19-year-old Dubliner played with immense composure, displaying a full range of shots on his way to a magnificent 151 off just 150 balls in temperatures pushing 40 degrees out in the middle.

Batting up the order at number three in the absence of the injured Andre Botha, Morgan staked his claim for a permanent move to that position, looking entirely at ease at this level.

Apart from the punishing heat, however, conditions were all in Morgan’s favour. Skipper Trent Johnston won the toss and decided to bat on a hard, flat wicket that offers little for the bowlers.

Dom Joyce and Jeremy Bray gave Ireland the ideal start, putting on 111 before Joyce miss-hit a short ball into the hands of Samir at square leg. The middle order failed to impress for the Irish but Johnston at six stuck around and shared a 94-run partnership with Morgan to make sure his side reached 350 for 7 declared.

The UAE used no fewer than nine bowlers but none as good as their opener Ali Asad. The fast-medium bowler laboured through 28 overs, taking five wickets for 93, far and away the pick of the Emirates’ attack.

Paul Mooney emerged from the pavilion and took two wickets in his first over to raise Ireland’s spirits even further. The UAE rallied somewhat but two late wickets left Ireland firmly on top with the Emirates closing on 77 for 4.

In the other semi-final, Kenya look to have set themselves up nicely for victory, scoring 403 for 6 with Steve Tikolo plundering 220 off 233 balls against Bermuda. The final will be played at the Wanderers club on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.