Lewis leads Ireland fightback with emphatic UAE win

Ireland bounced back from their opening-day horror show at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy with a convincing 61-run victory over hosts UAE, inspired by a superb innings from skipper Gaby Lewis.

After their disappointing defeat to Sri Lanka, Ireland piled up 171 for five before restricting UAE to 110 for eight. Lewis led the charge, smashing 71 from just 40 balls, including 12 fours and a six, as she dominated an opening stand of 102 with vice-captain Amy Hunter (29).

Lara Maritz continued the momentum with 29 from 23 balls on her international return, while Laura Delany made an unbeaten 18 and Bready all-rounder Alana Dalzell struck a six in her 11 from seven deliveries. Janani Thirukkumaran was the pick of the UAE attack with two for 20.

Ireland's bowlers then made a dream start, reducing the hosts to eight for three inside two overs. Jane Maguire removed Theertha Satish before sister Aimee struck twice in successive deliveries to leave UAE reeling.

Home skipper Esha Oza led the resistance with 51 from 45 balls, including five fours and a six, sharing a recovery stand with Samaira Dharnidharka (18). However, Louise Little ended Oza's innings with the score on 88, effectively ending any hopes of an unlikely comeback.

Cara Murray impressed with two for 21, while the Hills' siblings Jane and Aimee Maguire also claimed two wickets apiece. Fellow Milvertonite Lara McBride chipped in with one for 19 as all five Irish bowlers got among the wickets.

It was a commanding response from Ireland, who will look to build on the victory when they face Papua New Guinea on Monday.