Desert wash-out sees Ireland clinch series

IRELAND clinched the tri-series in Dubai after their game with Scotland was abandoned without a ball bowled.

There had been hopes for a 20 over title decider starting at 10:15am (GMT), and indeed there had been a toss which had seen Ireland opt to bowl first.

Coach Phil Simmons had made four changes to the side that lost to Afghanistan on Saturday, with Stuart Thompson, Andrew McBrine, Peter Chase and Max Sorensen - who yesterday was called up to the World Cup squad following Tim Murtagh's withdrawal - all included.

However just before play was due to commence, further rain left the officials with no option but to call the game off - the first time there has been a no result in an ODI in the UAE.

The final table saw Ireland victorious with five points, ahead of Afghanistan on four and Scotland on three.

Ireland are next in action on February 6th when they play Sydney based Randwick Petersham at the conclusion of a week long training camp at the club.

They then remain in Sydney where they face Scotland and Bangladesh in official warm-up games on February 10 and 12, before their opening World Cup clash against West Indies in New Zealand on February 16th.