Dublin slump again as Glasgow win basement battle at Malahide

Dublin Guardians’ dismal tournament continued at Malahide as they lost the basement battle with Glasgow Cosmic by six wickets, another damaging defeat in a campaign that has never really gathered momentum.

The Guardians were bowled out for 159 in 19.3 overs despite a fine 67 from Vijay Shankar, who struck six fours and three sixes in a lone hand through the middle of the innings. James Vince, David Willey and Harry Tector all got starts but none could go on, while Muhammad Waseem made 20. 

Glasgow’s attack kept chipping away, with Ali Khan the standout performer. He claimed four for 22 from 3.3 overs, while Tymal Mills returned three for 24. Paul van Meekeren and Liam Livingstone also picked up a wicket apiece. 

A target of 160 should still have offered Dublin a chance, particularly after Jason Roy fell early for four, but Glasgow settled quickly. Finn Allen made 30 and Moises Henriques added 25 before George Munsey took control of the chase.

Munsey finished unbeaten on 50 from 33 balls, striking three fours and four sixes, while Livingstone’s 29 from 17 deliveries ensured Glasgow stayed comfortably ahead of the rate. The pair added 68 for the fourth wicket before Livingstone fell with only 20 required, Richie Berrington then joining Munsey to finish the job with an unbeaten 15 from just six balls, as Glasgow reached their target with seven balls remaining. 

For Dublin, it was another deeply disappointing afternoon. A competition that promised much has instead become a struggle at the wrong end of the table, and defeat to their fellow strugglers merely deepened the sense of frustration around a campaign increasingly short on positives.

They only have pride to play for in their remaining two matches having missed out already on next week's play-offs.