Scotland edge out Ireland in World Cup qualifying thriller

Ireland slipped to a second consective loss in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe as Michael Leask hit two off the final ball to give Scotland victory.

It was another disappointing outcome for the Irish after losing to Oman on Monday.

Curtis Campher looked as he would be the hero of the day at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, coming to the crease with Ireland reeling at 33 for four before rattling off a vital century to help Ireland post a total of 286 for eight.

That looked like plenty when Scotland slumped to 152 for seven in reply, before Leask turned the tide.

Ireland looked in a world of trouble when Paul Stirling and skipper Andy Balbirnie fell for golden ducks off the second and third balls of the innings.

Brandon McMullen wreaked havoc with the new ball on his way to figures of five for 34, his first-ever ODI five-for.

Andy McBrine (32) and Campher set about rebuilding after Ireland's terrible start, but when the opener was caught behind, they were still in strife at 70 for five.

George Dockrell came in and provided invaluable support however, the pair adding 136 for the sixth wicket before Dockrell was bowled by the returning McMullen for 69.

By that stage, Campher had found his groove and he used support from the tailenders, notably Gareth Delany (19) to push Ireland to 286 for eight, Campher the last man to go off the penultimate delivery for a brilliant 120.

Scotland made a good start in reply, despite losing Matthew Cross in the second over, as Chris McBride (56) added 50 with McMullen (10) and 34 with George Munsey (15) before falling LBW to Campher.

The wickets continued to tumble, Josh Little (2/73) getting Richie Berrington and Tomas Mackintosh to reduce Scotland to 122 for six.

Chris Greaves followed soon