Ireland will play Kenya in the final of the Inter-Continental Cup after dominating their semi-final against the United Arab Emirates in Windhoek over the last three days.

While Adrian Birrells team didn't win the match outright, such is the bonus point system for this competition, Ireland were well ahead by the time stumps were drawn at the close of play last night. There was no knock-out punch but by the bell on the final round the referee knew which hand to raise.

"I am very happy with how it has gone the last few days," said coach Birrell. "The guys have done exactly what I wanted them to do. Having won the toss we had to put the runs on the board in the first innings. We certainly did that. Our objective was to get into the final and that is what we have done," he said.

The UAE were set a ridiculous target of 606 to win when captain Trent Johnston finally declared shortly before lunch. It was never going to happen and although Ireland got to within two wickets of victory, the Emirates batted stubbornly on a beautifully flat wicket.

Kyle McCallan (3-32 off 22 overs) and Trent Johnston (2-68 off 19) bowled particularly well in difficult conditions for Ireland.

But the most exciting patch of a day's play short on highlights came early when two batsmen had the chance of breaking Ivan Anderson's 32-year record for an individual score in an innings for Ireland. On 169 overnight, Jeremy Bray looked certain to reach Andersons 198, made in Toronto in 1973. But having got to 190 he played around a straight one from Sockalingam, it hit his pad and he was out lbw.

Then attention shifted to Niall O'Brien who had been on 118 at the start of play. But he fell for 176 and Anderson's record remains intact. However, it was a wonderful partnership between the two left-handers, worth 304, easily beating the previous highest partnership of 224.

Ireland now take on Kenya who had a 'winning draw' against Bermuda in the other semi-final. After a rest day today, play in the three-day final begins tomorrow.

Photographs, courtesy of the international Cricket Council:

(Upper right) Niall O'Brien during his second innings 176 against the UAE in Windhoek.

(Lower right> Jeremy Bray being presented with the Man of the Match award.