Scotland fail to press home advantage

Ireland 172 (Wright 4-37) and 46 for 2 trail Scotland 234 for 9 dec by 16 runs
Scorecard

Scotland face a tough task if they are to defeat Ireland and in doing so give themselves a chance of progressing into the Intercontinental Cup semi-finals. At the end of the second day's play, the match looked likely to end in a draw after Scotland's batsmen had struggled to get on top of tight bowling.

Scotland wasted no time in polishing off Ireland for 172, but needing quick runs, they fell victim to a combination of good bowling and some sloppy stroke selection Despite losing Fraser Watts early on, Scotland had seemed on course as they reached 76 for 1, but shortly after lunch Neil MacRae's dismissal, miscuing an attempted pull, triggered a collapse from which which they never really recovered.

Craig Wright followed his four first-innings wickets with a crucial 70, but a poor run rate might come back to haunt Scotland tomorrow.

Ireland limped to 46 for 2 by the close, still 16 runs in arrears, with Jason Molins, their captain, falling to the last ball of the day.