CricketIreland's position at the top of the World Cup qualifying table was strengthened yesterday after Afghanistan completed back-to-back victories over Scotland with a five-wicket win in Sharjah.

Ireland remain two points clear of both sides, with two games in hand later this month against the United Arab Emirates in Sharjah. Two wins would leave Ireland needing just three points from their final four games to book one of the two qualifying spots on offer for the 2015 World Cup.

A two-day warm-up game against Canada got underway in Dubai yesterday, with Ed Joyce scoring 87 on a day when Ireland made 240 for the loss of 12 wickets in 90 overs. Canada will bat today.