George Dockrell says Ireland made life hard for themselves during this morning's thrilling Cricket World Cup group victory over the United Arab Emirates in Brisbane.

"I think we probably made it tough on ourselves with the way we played today," he told Newstalk's Oisin Langan, "not only with the bat but with the ball."

Gary Wilson top-scored with 80 as Ireland made 279-8 in reply to the UAE's total of 278-9. "And with that run chase, [we] left ourselves with a lot of runs needed off the last 10 overs," Dockrell went on. "Credit to the way Gary Wilson and Kevin O'Brien played, got us right back into the game. Obviously it was a thrilling win in the end."

He added: "They really came at us with the bat ... and set us quite and imposing total."

The remarkable incident when Ed Joyce's bails didn't go over despite the ball hitting the stumps was "bizarre", the Dubliner admitted.

Ireland are tied on four points apiece with India and the West Indies at the top of Pool B following today's exciting win. Next up for Phil Simmons' men are South Africa next Tuesday.

"There might be a little less pressure on us going into that South Africa game," said former Gonzaga boy Dockrell.