West Indies, Ireland win Cricket World Cup warm-up matches

Sydney: The West Indies eked out a three-run victory over Scotland and Ireland comfortably defeated Bangladesh by four wickets in Cricket World Cup warm-up matches on Thursday.
Scotland, chasing 313-8 after the West Indies batted first, looked set for victory when it entered the final over needing eight runs to win, but could manage only four off the bowling of Kemar Roach.
The Scots faltered late by losing four wickets in seven balls to finish with 310-9 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Ireland’s John Mooney and Max Sorensen took three wickets each as Bangladesh, sent in to bat, was bowled out for 189 in the 49th over, with Soumya Sarkar the top scorer with 45.
Ireland has provided upsets at both its previous World Cups, tying with Zimbabwe and beating Pakistan in 2007 and defeating England in 2011.
The schedule of warm-up matches concludes Friday when Afghanistan plays the United Arab Emirate. Ireland plays the West Indies in the teams’ opening World Cup match Monday in Nelson, New Zealand. Scotland takes on New Zealand in Dunedin on Tuesday. (AP)