Ireland hammered by Scots in World Cup warm-up match

Let's hope that's the batting collapse out of their system

Ireland suffered a heavy defeat by 179 runs at the hands of old rivals Scotland this morning in their first official World Cup warm-up match in Sydney. Having chosen to bat, Ireland were in decent shape having reduced the Scots to 86 for three, but partnerships of 96 and 98 for the fourth and fifth wickets, anchored by a magnificent 103 off 108 balls by Matt Machan, helped set Ireland an imposing target of 297. The reply got off to a fine start as Ireland reached 50 without loss, but Paul Stirling soon fell after a quickfire 37 to kickstart a horrific collapse. Paceman Alasdair Evans rattled through the top order, taking four wickets in the space of nine deliveries as Ireland were sent spinning to 77 for five, from which point it was only a matter of time before the lower order wilted and Ireland were bowled out for just 117 from a little more than 26 of their 50 overs. With opening World Cup foes West Indies also suffering an inauspicious start to their preparations against England yesterday, both sides have plenty of work to do before Sunday's Pool B opener in Nelson.