Paul Stirling of Ireland poses for a photo while holding the Player of the Match award after the team's victory in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Zimbabwe 2023 match between the Ireland and UAE at Bulawayo Athletic Club on June 27, 2023.

Ireland v UAE

Paul Stirling of Ireland poses for a photo while holding the Player of the Match award after the team's victory in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Zimbabwe 2023 match between the Ireland and UAE at Bulawayo Athletic Club on June 27, 2023.

Ireland v UAE (Ireland won by 138 runs)

Paul Stirling, Ireland opener and Player of the Match (162):“It was good fun. It’s always nice to get a big score. Partnerships are what we talk about. It was good to do it today and not just talk about it. It was quite tough to start. You had to give yourself 10-15 balls.”

Andy Balbirnie, Ireland captain (66): “We wanted to put a win on the board and it was a good all-round performance. Yeah, it's been very difficult. We played very good cricket in the last 18 months. Not going into Super Six is hugely disappointing. We want to go back with our heads High. I think there was a lot of passion coming into this competition. It's been a tough tournament. In hindsight, it was a good toss to lose. I think when (Paul Stirling) gets going, it's hard to stop him. We hope that he continues his form as long as possible.”