Canada fight back in tense chase

A fighting 121-run stand for the ninth wicket between Ashish Bagai and Khurram Chohan, a probing opening spell from Henry Osinde and a late run-out helped Canada dominate much of the third day in a game in which the advantage has swung from one side to the other. Set a tricky target of 176, Ireland were in control at 117 for 3 but Andre Botha's dismissal for 61 brought Canada back into the game.

The day started with Canada 49 runs ahead and only Osinde to come, and Ireland would have hoped to chase a target below 100. But Bagai and Chohan had other ideas. The duo played patiently during the highest partnership of the match, adding 121 runs in 46.2 overs. Both scored 59 runs today and hit seven fours each.

Chohan was given out caught and bowled off Kevin O'Brien after making 59 off 177 deliveries. The innings ended a couple of overs later with Bagai mis-timing a pull off O'Brien to mid-on. He was unlucky to miss out on a hundred, scoring 90 off 157.

O'Brien finished with 5 for 39 in 17.5 overs, responding brilliantly after first-innings hero Trent Johnston was unable to take the field, having retired hurt on the second day after being hit by an Osinde bouncer.

Osinde troubled Ireland further, getting Rory McCann to edge behind in his first over and luring Paul Stirling into the bouncer trap in his fifth. Osinde's figures at that moment read 5-2-13-2.

Botha counter-attacked, hitting nine fours in his 61 off 84 deliveries. Though Rizwan Cheema trapped O'Brien leg-before, Botha's presence gave Ireland hope. However, with 59 runs still needed, Botha was run out off Cheema's bowling. Rain intervened thereafter and no further play was possible. The game is evenly poised with Ireland requiring another 52 runs with six wickets intact.