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Abu Dhabi: A brilliant unbeaten century by Ireland's wicket-keeper batsman Nial O'Brien and his 153-run seventh wicket partnership with skipper Trent Johnston put the visitors in a strong position against hosts UAE in their four-day Intercontinental Cup cricket match on Friday.
Ireland, who resumed at 46 for one on the second day at the Zayed International Cricket Stadium, finished with 366 for 7 to establish a 138-run lead.
Nial and Johnston came together at 203 for 6 after Zahed Shah dismissed William Porterfield for 25 and Ahmad Raza got rid of the dangerous Eoin Morgan (47), the latter scoring six boundaries.
But Nial O'Brien went about building a strong innings of patience and character as the defending champions ground the home attack. O'Brien struck 20 boundaries all around the wicket, while Johnston slammed 10, before being dismissed by rival skipper Saqib Ali, caught behind by Amjad Ali.
O'Brien's unbeaten 13 came off 237 balls and the Irish batsman spent 389 minutes at the crease. The day's play ended after the 153-run partnership was broken
For the UAE, Zahid Shah picked up two wickets though he did go for 116 runs. Skipper Ali chipped in with two for 55 while Ahmad Raza was the pick with two for 47 off 24 overs.
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