Ireland beat Scots to open World Cup campaign with victory

AN attacking century from William Porterfield helped Ireland coast to a seven-wicket win over Scotland in their opening match of the World Cup qualifying tournament today.

Chasing 233 for victory after Neil McCallum’s career-best 121, captain Porterfield needed just 87 balls to reach his ton and was given excellent support from Eoin Morgan (61) as Ireland cruised home in just 37.4 overs.

The Irish, who came into the tournament as one of the favourites, made a flying start with Gary Wilson and Porterfield racing to 43 in the eighth over before the former saw his stumps uprooted by Calum MacLeod (one for 30) for 14.