Ireland’s Ed Joyce had a lucky break as he survived the ball hitting the stumps while batting against the United Arab Emirates in a World Cup clash in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Amjad Javed thought he’d struck with his fourth ball when an inswinger beat left-hander Joyce’s defence and caused the LED lights on the bails to flash.
But although the off-bail was disturbed, it landed back in its groove and Joyce, who stood his ground as seamer Javed celebrated prematurely, was not out.
Joyce, who was on 16 at the time with Ireland 35 for one in the 11th over, added insult to Javed’s injury by driving the next ball down the ground for four.
The former England batsman had moved on to 32 when he had another reprieve as UAE captain Mohammad Tauqir failed to hold a sharp caught and bowled chance.
But it was a case of third time lucky for the UAE and joy at last for bowler Javed when Joyce, on 37, edged a good length delivery that angled away and was caught behind to leave Ireland 72 for two in the 19th over.
Ireland were chasing a target of 279 for their second victory in as many Pool B games, having beaten the West Indies, after the UAE scored 278 for nine on the back of Shaiman Anwar’s 106.