Andrew Balbirnie and Alex Cusack put on an unbroken 52-run stand for the eighth wicket to guide Ireland to a three-wicket win over Afghanistan in the Associates tri-series in Dubai.

Ireland have named an 18-man squad which will tour Australia and New Zealand as part of their preparation for next year's Cricket World Cup.

but the remodelling of the tournament has given Ireland - among others - an additional hurdle to overcome if they want to qualify for the business end of the tournament.

West Indies triumphed in a low-scoring second Twenty20 International against Ireland in Jamaica to go into Sunday's one-off One-Day International with honours even.

Ireland returned to the scene of the 2007 World Cup triumph over Pakistan that launched them onto the global stage to record a narrow win over ICC World Twenty20 champions West Indies in the first Twenty20 International at Sabina Park.

All-rounder Alex Cusack has been recalled by Ireland for the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier and Intercontinental Cup final after recovering from a back injury.

Ireland all-rounder Alex Cusack will miss the One-Day International against England on 3rd September due to a back injury.