ICC World Cup Qualifier, Willowmoore Park, Benoni:
Ireland v Scotland
Scotland 232-7 (50 overs)
Ireland 233-3 (37.4 overs)

William Porterfield scored a vital century for Ireland

Ireland beat Scotland by seven wickets in their opening World Cup qualifying Group A match at Willowmoore Park.

The Scots were in trouble at 24-4 after 8.1 overs and 68-5 after 21.1 overs but recovered to post 232-7 off 50 overs thanks to 121 not out by Neil McCallum.

Peter Connell and Boyd Rankin both took two wickets while Kevin O'Brien and Alex Cusack claimed one wicket apiece.

Ireland replied with 233-3 off 37.4 overs, William Porterfield top-scoring with 101 and Eoin Morgan adding 61.

The match referee was Chris Broad, making his return to cricket after he was caught up in the attacks on the Sri Lanka team in Pakistan on 3 March.

The Englishman will play a full part as an official in the 19-day World Cup qualifying tournament, but had a quiet day in Benoni.

McCallum's innings of 121 came off 138 balls and included 12 fours and three sixes.

Kyle Coetzer was the next best scorer for Scotland with 29.

Porterfield scored his 101 off 89 balls and he also hit 12 fours and three sixes.

A second-wicket partnership of 131 between Porterfield and Morgan paved the way for Ireland's comfortable victory.

Niall O'Brien ended the innings on 25 not out and Andre Botha was unbeaten on 15.

Craig Wright, Ryan Watson and Calum McLeod took a wicket apiece for Scotland.

Ireland play Oman in their next match on Thursday while Scotland take on Namibia.

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