Morgan shines in record-breaking start for Ireland

Ireland made a record breaking start in their ICC Intercontinental cup match against UAE in Abu Dhabi. At close of play on day one they had progressed to 461-2 in 96 overs and this morning carried on to 531-5 before declaring.

An Irish record partnership of 360 between Eoin Morgan and Andre Botha has put the side in a quite formidable position. The pair eclipsed the previous Irish record of 304 between Jeremy Bray and Niall O'Brien, also against the UAE in Windhoek in 2005 and also passed the competition record of 331 which was held by Kenya's Steve Tikolo and Hitesh Modi.

Morgan this morning went on to become the first Ireland player to make a double hundred, passing Ivan Anderson's 33-year record of 198 not out made against Canada in Toronto in 1973.

The UAE used no fewer than eight bowlers, to little or no avail, as the Irish top four cashed in on an excellent batting strip and quick outfield. No fewer than 51 boundaries were struck in total on day one.

Earlier openers Jeremy Bray and William Porterfield both continued their recent good form, sharing a century opening stand before Porterfield went for 46, caught by Arshad Ali off the bowling of Nadeem for 46. The left hander hit 5 fours in his 79 ball stay.

Jeremy Bray followed shortly after, trapped lbw by Arshad Ali for 82. He hit 11 boundaries in his 113 ball innings.

Ireland need an outright win to reach the final, where Canada awaits. Any other result would mean that Scotland would make the final.