Ireland lost to the United Arab Emirates by four wickets in Toronto yesterday and hit rock bottom in the World Cup qualifying Super League after vice-captain Decker Curry had departed for home following a row with the national coach.

Andy Patterson and the Joyce brothers gave Ireland a healthy total of 283-7 at the Toronto Cricket Club but in reply the Emirates raced to 100 for 1 in only 13 overs and won easily with 20 balls to spare.

Curry, who had been frustrated to find himself batting down the order let his feelings be known in a very public debate with coach Ken Rutherford during the lunch break in Monday's clash with Scotland. It was agreed it would be best for all concerned if he was on the first available plane.

The ICU were at pains to stress he had not been sent home for disciplinary reasons and a statement released during the lunch interval yesterday read: "The ICU and Decker Curry have mutually agreed that the player will take no further part in the tournament."

Curry will probably feel vindicated to some extent in his argument with Rutherford because his insistence that a hitter was needed at the top of the order was borne out by Ireland making their highest total of the tournament following Patterson's promotion to opener.

Patterson, discovering the unorthodox shots that served him so well when he first came into the national side five years ago, smashed six boundaries and then posted his half-century off only 40 balls with a six into the club's swimming pool.

Jason Molins seemed to feed off his enthusiasm and scored a rapid 37 himself before pulling a high full toss to deep mid-wicket to end an opening stand of 96. When Patterson was bowled three overs later for 55 Ireland were 101-2 in the 20th over.

The Joyces brothers then added 145. Ed seemed destined for a century before falling to a juggled catch at mid-wicket for 87 made from 84 balls with a six and three fours, and Dominick was again impressive making 62 off 84 balls.